How long does bacterial vaginosis last?

When it comes to vaginal infections, there's really only one thing you want to know. Sure, knowing the symptoms will help you figure out if it's bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Knowing what to expect from a healthcare provider and the treatments they might use may ease some worries, too. 

But the question you really want to figure out the answer to is how long does bacterial vaginosis last? Translation: when will I go back to feeling normal again?

Once you start treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually go away within two to three days. While in some cases it can resolve on its own without treatment, it can take longer to clear up and it can come back. 

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Put simply, BV is caused by a decrease in good bacteria and an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina.

In general, our bodies (vaginas, in particular) are home to lots of bacteria, many of which help keep us healthy. But when the population of healthy types of bacteria decreases, it leaves room for others to settle in and cause problems (Kairys, 2020). 

And believe it or not, it’s quite common. Some estimates say one in three women will experience BV at some point in their lives (Koumans, 2007).

Because of the uncomfortable symptoms, it’s usually easy to spot. Most people with BV report a thin white or greyish discharge and a fishy odor from their vagina. These classic symptoms typically appear after unprotected sex with a new partner, and the odor is typically more prominent after sex. 

Untreated BV increases the risk of adverse effects in pregnant women like miscarriage, premature birth, and having a baby with a low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds), which itself can carry a lot of risks.

The most common sign of BV is white or gray vaginal discharge with a fishy odor (Kairys, 2020). Other symptoms may include (CDC, 2020-b):

• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina

• Itching around the outside of the vagina

• Burning sensation when urinating

While BV may seem like just a minor bother, it can actually increase your risk of contracting other STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

These two infections are common and easily curable with a course of antibiotics. But left untreated, STIs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause serious fertility issues in the future (CDC, 2020-b).

The first step is to book an appointment with a gynecologist. They’ll ask you a few questions about your sexual activity, and likely perform a quick pelvic exam and take a swab. They then use the swab sample to look for changes in the acidity of your vagina and examine the types of bacteria there. 

While you’re getting checked over, it’s a good idea to ask for a full panel of tests that include sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's important to look for the full range of conditions, especially if you're sexually active since BV can look a lot like other STIs. It also increases the risk of catching other STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea (Kairys, 2020). 

While BV isn’t typically dangerous, it's uncomfortable and unpleasant. Luckily, a quick course of antibiotics is all you need to clear it up.

A healthcare provider usually prescribes metronidazole (brand name Flagyl), clindamycin (brand name Cleocin), or tinidazole (brand name Tindamax). Some of these are oral medications taken by mouth for 2–7 days, and others come as vaginal suppositories used for 3–5 days. 

Once you start treatment, you should see symptoms start to go away quickly. Basically, the faster you seek treatment, the faster your symptoms will resolve.

But even if your symptoms clear up before you finish your antibiotics, it's important to take the full course of treatment. This helps prevent infections that are resistant to treatment from developing (Kairys, 2020).  

Since BV is caused by an imbalance of microbes that live in the vagina, probiotics have also been investigated as a treatment for BV or to prevent recurrent cases. While we’re not quite there yet, research around this is promising, showing solid evidence that probiotics may help reduce the chances of BV recurring.

Researchers think probiotics work by making the vagina less hospitable to "bad" bacteria. However, not all probiotics are created equal, so discuss this option with a healthcare provider before self-medicating with these supplements. 

Researchers aren't sure what exactly causes BV, but they've narrowed down some contributing factors.

Douching, having sex with someone new, or engaging with multiple sex partners all impact the bacteria that make up your vaginal flora. This can lead to the development of BV. Douching especially should be avoided (CDC, 2020-b).

Those who've never had vaginal, oral, or anal sex can still develop BV, but it's most common in people with vaginas who engage in sexual activity (CDC, 2020-a; CDC, 2020-b).

Past research has found that having a female sex partner may increase your risk of developing BV by 60% (Kairys, 2020). If someone you've come into sexual contact with has BV, you should get tested as the infection can be passed on. That said, sexual partners with a penis cannot contract BV from partners with a vagina, and generally don't need to seek treatment (CDC, 2020-b).

Proper hygiene for your vagina goes a long way toward preventing BV.

This includes wearing breathable clothes and cotton underwear, wiping from front to back after using the restroom, and using mild soaps when you shower. Changing your pad or tampon regularly while on your period may also help.

If you use sex toys, be sure to clean them thoroughly with hot water and mild, unscented soap. You may be able to decrease the risk of BV if you use condoms every time you have sex (CDC, 2020-b).

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Current version

July 26, 2021

Written by

Linnea Zielinski

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.