Discreet online care for prescription BV treatment
No video calls necessary
$15 consult–no membership required
Medical review within 3 hours
Bacterial vaginosis can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Clear it up with a private online health assessment and prescription BV treatment.
See what others are saying about Dr. B
How Dr. B treats BV
Tell us about your condition with a $15 online consultation—no video call necessary.
A medical provider will review your information and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.
Pick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.
How much will it cost?
Dr. B offers online consultations for $15—which is less than most copays. If a BV prescription is appropriate, your out-of-pocket medication cost will depend on your insurance and where you decide to get your prescription filled.
Medication
Bacterial vaginosis treatments at Dr. B
Dr. B offers two treatments for bacterial vaginosis. We’ve highlighted these popular and affordable options below.
Metronidazole (Oral)
Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication that treats a variety of bacterial infections, including BV. It kills the bacteria by interfering with their DNA. Metronidazole tablet prescriptions are taken 2 times a day for 7 days. The pills are just as effective as the gel form of Metronidazole.
Prescription length:
7 days
Application:
Tablets, taken twice a day
at Walmart, with a drug discount card.
Metronidazole (Vaginal gel)
Metronidazole antibiotic gel is inserted into the vagina via an applicator once a day at bedtime for 5 days. Like Metronidazole tablets, it kills bacteria by interfering with their DNA.
Prescription length:
5 days
Application:
One applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime
Metronidazole (Oral)
Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication that treats a variety of bacterial infections, including BV. It kills the bacteria by interfering with their DNA. Metronidazole tablet prescriptions are taken 2 times a day for 7 days. The pills are just as effective as the gel form of Metronidazole.
Metronidazole (Vaginal gel)
Metronidazole antibiotic gel is inserted into the vagina via an applicator once a day at bedtime for 5 days. Like Metronidazole tablets, it kills bacteria by interfering with their DNA.
Prescription length:
7 days
Prescription length:
5 days
Application:
Tablets, taken twice a day
Application:
One applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime
at Walmart, with a drug discount card.
More Bacterial Vaginosis Prescription Treatments
Looking for a different BV medication? Here are some options.
Not sure which treatment may be best for you?
Complete a confidential virtual health assessment to learn more.
Bacterial Vaginosis Questions
About Bacterial Vaginosis
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where an overgrowth of bacteria upsets the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and causes inflammation. It affects millions of people annually and is one of the most common vaginal infections. Those younger than 50 are at the highest risk for bacterial vaginosis.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis results from an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria naturally found in the vagina. The exact cause of this bacteria imbalance is not known. But some activities are linked to a higher risk of BV. These activities include douching, not using condoms and having new or multiple sex partners.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
Many people who have BV don’t have any symptoms. Those who do sometimes experience:
- Thin, watery discharge that looks white or gray
- Vaginal irritation, including pain, itching or vaginal burning
- A strong vaginal smell or fishy-smelling odor—especially after sex
- Burning during urination
- Itchy vaginal lips or an itchy vulva (the outside of the vagina)
How long does bacterial vaginosis last?
Some cases of BV clear up on their own. But if you’re having symptoms, you should get treatment. It usually only takes one round of antibiotics (taken for 4-7 days) to clear up the infection. Some people need a second round of antibiotics. And others suffer from recurrent BV, which means the infection keeps coming back—even with treatment. Your provider can help you know which BV medicine is right for you.
Is bacterial vaginosis an STI?
Bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted infection. But having unprotected sex or having sex with a new partner can affect the vagina’s natural pH balance. So sexual activity can increase the risk of getting BV.
BV affects the immune system. So an infection can also increase the risk of developing an STI. That’s why treating BV is essential—especially if you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
How do symptoms of BV and a yeast infection compare?
There are noticeable visual differences between BV and yeast infections. Bacterial vaginosis presents as a thin, white or grayish and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Vaginal yeast infections cause an abnormally thick, white discharge (that can look like cottage cheese).
BV is treated with antibiotics. Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. Confirming your condition is essential to making sure you're treated correctly. Getting a medical opinion is best—especially for a first-time diagnosis.
Do I have bacterial vaginosis or…?
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms can feel like many other conditions. These include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Chlamydia
- Yeast infections
When you compare symptoms for other pelvic conditions, there may be similarities around discharge, discomfort, itching, burning or pelvic pain. You can usually figure out whether you have BV by the thin white discharge, fishy vaginal odor or itchy vulva. But if you’re not sure, talk to a medical provider—they’ll help you understand what’s going on and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
What treatments does Dr. B offer for BV?
Dr. B offers Metronidazole in gel applicator and oral tablet form. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial that treats anaerobic bacteria overgrowth. It treats bacterial vaginosis by rebalancing vaginal pH, which restores the balance between lactobacilli (good bacteria) and anaerobic bacteria (harmful bacteria) naturally found in the vagina.
How is Metronidazole applied?
Metronidazole treatments can be taken orally or via vaginal insertion. Oral tablets of Metronidazole should be taken with food or water. Metronidazole gel is inserted into the vagina with an applicator. Avoid ingesting alcohol three days before, during and three days after BV treatment ends.
What are common Metronidazole side effects?
Side effects of Metronidazole sometimes include nausea, a loss of appetite and vomiting. You may also experience stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhea. And may develop a dry mouth or headache. These symptoms are typically mild and may go away over time. Talk to your medical provider if they continue or worsen.
To prevent an upset stomach, take BV pills with food or a full glass of water or milk. Do not drink alcohol three days before, during or three days after treatment. Alcohol can trigger side effects like face flushing, abdominal pain or cramps, vomiting, nausea, and headaches. It can also trigger more severe symptoms like a rapid heart rate, a sudden drop in blood pressure and liver damage.
How can I get a bacterial vaginosis (BV) prescription online?
Dr. B offers convenient online BV prescriptions through our virtual medical service. To begin, complete an online health assessment. A doctor or licensed medical provider will review your assessment. If they recommend a prescription for BV, they will send the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.
How much does bacterial vaginosis treatment cost?
Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for bacterial vaginosis costs $15, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescription at your pharmacy.
Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.
Do you accept insurance?
Right now, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to health insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.
