Bacterial vaginosis: Review of treatment options and potential clinical indications for therapy

We reviewed data on the treatment of bacterial vaginosis published from 199 3 through 1996. For nonpregnant women, we recommend use of metronidazole (5 00 mg orally twice daily for 7 days), clindamycin vaginal cream (2%, once d aily for 7 days), or metronidazole vaginal gel (0.75%, twice daily for 5 da ys) as the preferred treatment for bacterial vaginosis. For pregnant high-r isk women (women with a prior preterm birth), the objective of the treatmen t is to prevent adverse outcomes of pregnancy, in addition to relief of sym ptoms. Thus, systemic therapy for possible subclinical upper tract infectio n as well as medication that has been studied in pregnant women are prefera ble. Therefore, we recommend metronidazole (250 mg orally three times a day for 7 days). For pregnant low-risk women (women without a prior preterm bi rth) with symptomatic diseases, the main objective of the treatment is to r elieve symptoms. We recommend metronidazole (250 mg orally three times a da y for 7 days). Data do not support routine treatment of male sex partners.