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Medical Author:

Andrew K Chang, MD

Medical Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The treatment of choice is metronidazole (Flagyl), except in the first trimester of pregnancy, when clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche)  is used topically. It is important not to drink alcohol while taking this drug (the combination can lead to abdominal pain and vomiting).

• A large single dose is as effective as longer term treatment, but increases the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
• Pills taken twice a day for 7 days is an alternative.

• Medicine is inserted into the vagina at night for 14 days.
• This will decrease symptoms, but the cure rate is only 20%.

• Because infected male partners often do not have any symptoms, they do not seek medical care. It is important, however, that all sexual partners are evaluated and treated. Otherwise the person may become reinfected.
• Male partners are treated with one large dose of metronidazole or may be treated for 7 days.
• The doctor may not routinely write an additional prescription for the infected individual's partner without evaluating him or her first.

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