For women presenting to a gynecologist’s office with symptoms of discharge and odor, the common diagnosis is bacterial vaginosis. This stems from overgrowth of a bacteria known as Gardnerella vaginalis. While these infections are rarely dangerous it is important to get bacterial vaginosis treated upon diagnosis. Common forms of treatment are oral metronidazole twice daily for 7 days or a vaginal gel applied nightly for a week. However, antibiotics are not all sunshine and rainbows. There are both pros and cons when it comes
to treating a bacterial vaginosis infection with antibiotics.
Let us start with the pros. The first pro is pretty straightforward: antibiotics
treat bacterial vaginosis in one week; symptoms of bacterial vaginosis such as odor and vaginal discharge can start to go away after taking antibiotics for two to three days. It is easy to take and is a cost-effective form of treatment.
There are some downsides to taking antibiotics to treat bacterial vaginosis. Gels can be messy and can weakens latex condoms; it is also important to note that latex condoms are at risk for breaking for another three days after you stop using
the gel to treat bacterial vaginosis. You may also feel sick or nauseated after
taking Metronidazole tablets. If you are a frequent alcohol drinker or like to
enjoy a nice glass of wine during a night out, you will have to discontinue alcohol and still not drink alcohol for another 48 hours after taking the last Metronidazole
Tablet. Also if you stop taking it only after the symptoms disappear,
bacterial vaginosis can reappear again, as the treatment is not entirely over.
The pros of antibiotics curing bacterial vaginosis outweigh the cons. The
best way to reduce nausea after taking Metronidazole tablets is to take the
tablets right after you eat a meal. Even though there may be some health
side effects, they don’t last long and are not as severe as the symptoms of
bacterial vaginosis.
It is not uncommon for women who experience bacterial vaginosis to have low levels of the good bacteria Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is known to help support vaginal health by secreting antibacterial factors like the weakly acidic compounds hydrogen peroxide and creating a biofilm that inhibits bacteria from adhering to the vaginal wall. After taking antibiotics to eradicate infectious agents that cause bacterial vaginosis there may be a void left.
By using supplemental probiotics one can encourage colonization by healthy bacteria. The Pantibiotic application system is as easy as wearing underwear. Each pair has at least 25 billion colony forming units of living lactobacillus that are delivered exactly where it is needed. As you move the one-way sponge and moisture wicking mesh transfer the lactobacillus where body temperature and moisture activate it. Each kit comes with the Pantibiotic 5-Day Application including 5 pairs of panties and 5 probiotic filled sponges. Using one a day, the garment is worn for at least 8 hours. Following use the garment can be washed, sponge removed, and the panty reused in the future with refill sponges.