See a clinician for diagnosis (BV is confirmed with vaginal testing)
Take prescribed antibiotics as directed:
Metronidazole by mouth (typical course: 7 days)
Metronidazole vaginal gel (typical course: 5 days)
Clindamycin vaginal cream (typical course: 7 days)
Avoid alcohol during metronidazole treatment and for the recommended time after the last dose
Avoid douching
Use condoms during treatment and until symptoms resolve
Avoid scented soaps, vaginal washes, and other irritants
Consider completing treatment even if symptoms improve
If symptoms return or persist, contact a clinician for reassessment and possible repeat or alternative therapy
Seek urgent care if you have fever, pelvic/lower abdominal pain, pregnancy with significant symptoms, or foul-smelling discharge with bleeding
Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics or non-prescribed medications