Can I Get BV Treatment Online?

Traditionally, getting treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) required a visit to a healthcare provider, but with the rise of telemedicine, it's now possible to get BV treatment online. Learn more about how you can get bacterial vaginosis treatment from the comfort of your own home.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a type of bacterial infection that happens when the natural balance of your vaginal microbiome is disrupted. A healthy vaginal environment is usually dominated by good bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which help fight off harmful bacteria and keep infections at bay.

When good bacteria are outnumbered, the pH balance in the vagina can change, allowing other types of bacteria to grow and cause problems. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like discomfort, vaginal itching, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

If you're dealing with bacterial vaginosis, don't worry, you're not alone. It's actually quite common among women aged 15-44, with almost 30% experiencing it each year.

The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include watery, gray vaginal discharge and a fishy odor (that gets worse after sex), but it's also possible to have bacterial vaginosis without experiencing any symptoms at all.

How do you treat bacterial vaginosis? 

Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic medication. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include: 

• Metronidazole
• Clindamycin
• Tinidazole
• Secnidazole. 

Different antibiotic treatments work better on certain types of bacteria. For example, clindamycin may be more effective against Gardnerella and Atopobium vaginae bacteria but not as effective against other bacteria like Prevotella.

Although antibiotics can clear up to 85% of bacterial vaginosis cases within a month, over half of these patients may experience a recurrence within six months. This could be because the antibiotics don't completely eliminate the bacteria, allowing them to come back after treatment. Knowing the specific bacteria in your microbiome can help you choose the right antibiotic (that's where Evvy comes in).

How to get prescription BV treatment

Telemedicine has revolutionized access to healthcare, making it easier and more convenient to get treatment for conditions like bacterial vaginosis. Many online healthcare platforms offer consultations, diagnoses, and prescription medications for bacterial vaginosis without the need for an in-person visit. Here's how the process typically works:

1. Online health assessment: You fill out a detailed medical questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are currently taking.
2. Diagnosis: A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information and may ask follow-up questions via chat, phone call, or video call.
3. Prescription: If diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, the provider can prescribe antibiotics, which are the standard BV treatment.
4. Medication delivery: The prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup or delivered directly to your home, depending on the service.

Get BV treatment via Clinical Care with Evvy

Evvy’s vaginal healthcare platform is the first and only place to provide end-to-end clinical care, from comprehensive at-home testing to physician-reviewed results, a personalized plan of action, and a free 1:1 coaching session to understand your results better — all from the comfort of your home, with no waiting rooms in sight. 

Unlike most telemedicine services, your BV treatment is formulated specifically with your unique bacterial balance in mind. A study looking at the efficacy of Evvy’s Clinical Care platform found that 83% of participants transitioned from dysbiosis to a protective microbiome, and all reported an improvement in bacterial vaginosis symptoms. The findings also showed that all participants felt they had access to the right care and resources with Evvy, and felt supported, empowered, and in control when managing their vaginal health.

Here's how you can get care for bacterial vaginosis via Evvy’s clinical care platform* in four easy steps:

1. Order an Evvy Vaginal Health test: An Evvy test can help you learn about the composition of your vaginal microbiome by using metagenomics, the most comprehensive technology available for analyzing vaginal flora. This information can help you and your healthcare provider determine if your vaginal microbiome is primarily made up of BV-associated bacteria, and if so, which types of bacteria are involved. This knowledge can assist in selecting the most effective treatment. Once you've taken your swab, just pop it in the prepaid envelope we provide and send it back to our certified lab for analysis.
2. A healthcare provider reviews your results: An Evvy-affiliated provider will develop a customized treatment plan based on your test results, symptoms, and health history. Our treatment programs include prescription antibiotics and research-backed supplements to combat harmful bacteria and also help restore your microbiome to a protective state.
3. Your treatment is shipped straight to you: Within a few days you’ll receive your custom treatment plan designed specifically for you, shipped directly and discreetly from a partner pharmacy. 
4. Ongoing support: Our treatment programs go beyond just treatment. We truly listen to get the answers and support you need through science-backed education, community, and 1:1 coaching.

FAQ

Can I get treated for BV online? 

Yes, you can get treated for bacterial vaginosis online. Many telemedicine platforms offer consultations with healthcare providers who can diagnose bacterial vaginosis based on your symptoms and medical history. After the consultation, if bacterial vaginosis is confirmed, the provider can prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin, which can be sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home. Evvy’s Clinical Care platform provides personalized care for bacterial vaginosis, which could include prescription antibiotics and specially tailored supplements just for you depending on provider review. Our whole approach is about not only treating disruptive bacteria but also helping you maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome to prevent future symptoms.

Can I get antibiotics for BV without seeing a doctor?

Yes, you get antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis without seeing a doctor, but you'll still need a prescription from a healthcare provider. You can do this through telemedicine services such as Evvy's comprehensive Clinical Care platform. Evvy offers an at-home vaginal microbiome test and personalized treatment plans that may include prescribed antibiotics as well as research-backed supplements. An Evvy-affiliated healthcare provider will review your test results and prescribe the necessary medication if your test results show you have bacterial vaginosis. 

What is the quickest cure for BV?

The best way to clear up bacterial vaginosis is by taking a prescription antibiotic. The specific antibiotic recommended will be based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal preference. 

*The Evvy Vaginal Health Test is currently available in all 50 US states. Clinical Care is not yet available in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington DC, West Virginia, Armed Forces Europe / Pacific, US Virgin Islands. Make sure to check back soon — we're rolling out care to all 50 states in the next few months!