Adult BV Treatment (Bacterial Vaginosis) in Georgia
Fast MD-only BV care by video, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Thin gray or white vaginal discharge with a strong “fishy” odor is classic for bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is caused by an imbalance of the normal vaginal bacteria rather than a traditional sexually transmitted infection. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish BV from yeast infection and other causes of discharge and prescribe evidence-based treatments when appropriate.
- Board-certified MD every visit
- Video-only care, no waiting rooms
- $49 flat fee, no insurance needed
- Oral and vaginal BV treatments prescribed when medically appropriate
What Is BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)?
BV occurs when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria shifts and certain anaerobic bacteria overgrow, leading to discharge and odor. It is common in adults and is associated with sexual activity but is not considered a classic sexually transmitted infection. Many adults with BV notice a thin gray or white discharge and a stronger odor after intercourse or during menstruation.
TeleDirectMD focuses on BV in otherwise healthy nonpregnant adults. During your secure video visit, a TeleDirectMD physician reviews your symptoms, risk factors, and history of prior infections to help distinguish BV from yeast infection, trichomoniasis, and other causes of discharge. We also screen for warning signs that require in-person pelvic examination or urgent care. As long as you are physically located in Georgia at the time of your visit, we can evaluate your symptoms and, when appropriate, send prescriptions to your local Georgia pharmacy.
Typical Symptoms Versus Red Flags
Many BV symptoms can be evaluated safely online, but some patterns suggest sexually transmitted infections or pelvic inflammatory disease that require in-person testing and examination. The table below compares common findings.
| Symptom pattern | More likely uncomplicated BV | Suggests another infection | Red flag (seek urgent in-person care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaginal discharge | Thin gray or white discharge with mild irritation | Thick “cottage cheese” discharge suggesting yeast, or frothy green discharge suggesting trichomoniasis | Discharge with heavy bleeding, severe pain, or tissue-like clots |
| Vaginal odor | Noticeable “fishy” odor, often stronger after intercourse or during menses | Minimal odor despite discharge or strong foul odor with significant pain | Very foul odor with fever, severe pelvic pain, or feeling ill |
| Itching and burning | Mild irritation or burning only | Intense itching or burning suggesting yeast or contact irritation | Severe burning with ulcers, blisters, or extensive skin breakdown |
| Pelvic or lower abdominal pain | No pelvic pain or only mild lower discomfort | Persistent pelvic pain with abnormal bleeding or new sexual partner | Severe pelvic pain, fever, or pain with walking suggesting pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Systemic symptoms | Generally feels well, no fever | Mild fatigue or low-grade fever | High fever, chills, vomiting, or feeling very ill |
| Pregnancy status | Not pregnant and otherwise healthy | Pregnant with mild discharge changes | Pregnancy with pain, bleeding, or fluid leakage from the vagina |
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Age 18 or older
- Thin gray or white vaginal discharge
- Noticeable vaginal odor, often stronger after intercourse
- Mild vaginal irritation or burning only
- No severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- No fever, chills, or vomiting
- Not pregnant, or pregnancy already being followed by an in-person clinician
- No heavy vaginal bleeding or passing large clots
- Able to attend follow-up testing locally if recommended
Red Flag Symptoms, In-Person or Emergency Care
- Severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain, especially with fever
- High fever, chills, or feeling very ill
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing large clots
- Positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding
- Severe vulvar pain, ulcers, or blisters
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep down fluids
- Recent pelvic surgery or procedure with new severe pain or discharge
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease with similar severe symptoms
- Signs of sepsis such as very fast breathing, racing heart, or feeling faint
How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult BV
Supportive Care and Education
- Reviewing hygiene practices and avoiding douching or harsh vaginal products
- Discussing condom use and safer sex practices to reduce recurrence
- Encouraging avoidance of scented soaps, wipes, and feminine sprays in the vulvar area
- Discussing expectations for symptom improvement and common recurrence patterns
When Antibiotics Are Appropriate
Antibiotics are recommended when your symptoms and history strongly suggest BV and other serious conditions are unlikely. During your video visit, your MD:
- Confirms a typical BV pattern based on discharge, odor, and triggers
- Reviews your sexual history and prior infections to assess STI risk
- Screens for pregnancy and red flags that require in-person pelvic examination
- Explains oral versus vaginal treatment options and expected side effects
Common Adult BV Treatment Regimens When Indicated
| Medication | Typical adult dose | Usual duration | When we use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metronidazole oral | 500 mg BID | 7 days | Common first-line option for uncomplicated BV in nonpregnant adults who can take oral medication and are not using alcohol during therapy. |
| Metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel | 1 applicator intravaginally QHS | 5 days | Topical option for adults preferring vaginal therapy or with gastrointestinal intolerance to oral metronidazole. |
| Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream | 1 applicator intravaginally QHS | 7 days | Alternative for adults who cannot use metronidazole or have specific contraindications, with counseling regarding possible weakening of latex products. |
Alcohol should be avoided during and shortly after certain metronidazole regimens due to potential interactions. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for BV symptoms.
Home Care Tips for BV Symptoms
- Avoid douching, scented soaps, and feminine sprays in the vaginal area.
- Wash the vulva gently with mild, unscented soap and water only.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothing.
- Use condoms with sexual activity when possible to reduce recurrence risk.
- Follow your MD’s directions for any prescribed medication and complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early.
Sexual Activity and Return to Normal Routine
Many adults can continue their usual daily activities and work while being treated for BV. It is reasonable to avoid sexual activity or use condoms until treatment is complete and symptoms have improved, both for comfort and to reduce the chance of recurrence. Your MD can provide a simple work note when medically appropriate. TeleDirectMD does not complete disability, FMLA, or long-term workplace accommodation paperwork.
TeleDirectMD provides evidence-based virtual urgent care for adults, including BV, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, skin concerns, and medication refills. All visits are with a board-certified MD by secure video, with clear guidance for when in-person care is required instead of telehealth alone.
Adult BV Questions and Answers
Can a doctor diagnose BV by video visit?
In many adults, yes. BV is often diagnosed based on the description of discharge, odor, triggers, and history of prior episodes. During your TeleDirectMD visit, an MD reviews your symptoms and risk factors to decide whether your pattern is most consistent with BV or whether in-person testing is needed to rule out yeast, STIs, or other conditions.
How do you tell BV from a yeast infection?
BV typically causes a thin gray or white discharge with a “fishy” odor and only mild irritation. Yeast infection more often causes thick, clumpy “cottage cheese” discharge with intense itching and burning. Your TeleDirectMD physician uses your symptom description, triggers, and past history to differentiate BV from yeast and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Is BV a sexually transmitted infection?
BV is linked to sexual activity and new or multiple partners, but it is not classified as a traditional sexually transmitted infection. It results from an imbalance of the normal vaginal bacteria. That said, BV can be associated with higher risk of acquiring STIs, so your MD may recommend local testing if risk factors are present.
Do I always need antibiotics for BV?
Symptomatic BV in adults is usually treated with antibiotics because treatment reduces symptoms and may decrease certain risks. However, mild or borderline cases, especially if you have minimal symptoms, may be managed more conservatively. Your TeleDirectMD physician will discuss whether oral or vaginal therapy is appropriate and whether treatment is recommended at this time.
What BV medications can TeleDirectMD prescribe?
When appropriate, TeleDirectMD can prescribe guideline-based BV treatments such as oral metronidazole, metronidazole vaginal gel, or clindamycin vaginal cream, taking into account your allergies, medication interactions, and preferences. Your MD will review these options during the visit and send prescriptions to your preferred Georgia pharmacy when indicated.
Can TeleDirectMD treat BV if I am pregnant?
New vaginal symptoms in pregnancy should be evaluated in person so that a pelvic examination and appropriate testing can be performed. TeleDirectMD does not provide full initial BV evaluation for pregnancy by telehealth alone, but your MD can help you understand next steps and when to contact your in-person obstetric provider or local clinic.
Why does my BV keep coming back?
Recurrence is common with BV and can be related to sexual activity, inconsistent treatment completion, douching, or individual microbiome factors. Your TeleDirectMD physician can review prevention strategies, discuss consistent condom use, and consider alternative regimens when appropriate, while advising when in-person gynecologic evaluation is needed.
Is TeleDirectMD available throughout Georgia for BV treatment?
Yes. As long as you are physically located in Georgia at the time of your visit and can access a local pharmacy, you can use TeleDirectMD for BV evaluation. This includes adults in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Savannah, Augusta, and rural counties across the state.
Does TeleDirectMD take insurance for BV visits?
TeleDirectMD visits are offered at a $49 flat fee and are not billed to insurance. Pharmacy and laboratory costs are separate and may be submitted to insurance or paid directly, depending on your coverage and preferences.
Who will I see during my online BV visit?
All TeleDirectMD visits are provided by licensed physicians. You will see an MD, not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, for your BV evaluation and treatment plan.