How are BV and Thrush treated?
While some of the symptoms may be similar, BV and thrush are treated in different ways. This is why it is important to know which infection you have before you start treatment.
How is BV treated?
BV is a bacterial infection, which means it can be treated with antibiotics. However, this is only recommended in women who have BV symptoms. If you are pregnant, or planning an abortion, treatment is recommended even if you don’t have symptoms. You can choose whether you want to take tablets by mouth, or use a gel or cream which can be inserted into your vagina.
Metronidazole is a common antibiotic used to treat BV. This can be found in the form of metronidazole tablets or metronidazole gel. The gel is commonly available under the brand name of Zidoval. If you prefer to use a vaginal cream, we can also provide Dalacin cream, which contains the antibiotic clindamycin.
Metronidazole can be taken as a 1 day, or 7 day course of tablets. Dalacin cream should be used for 7 days and Zidoval gel is used for 5 days. Your doctor will discuss your treatment in more detail if you have symptoms that are consistent with BV and the treatment is suitable for you.
How is thrush treated?
Thrush is commonly treated with an antifungal medicine called clotrimazole, which is found under the branded name Canesten. Fluconazole is another antifungal medicine that can be taken by mouth to treat thrush.
Clotrimazole is available as Canesten cream, which is applied to the outside of the vagina, or Canesten Combi, which contains the cream and one pessary. The pessary needs to be inserted into your vagina at night. The cream can be used 2 to 3 times a day.
Canesten Duo is another option, which contains one fluconazole tablet to be taken by mouth, as well as clotrimazole cream to soothe external symptoms.