Anyone have BV regularly can help with this question?

[Wambetosl]

My GP has said it’s fine to take metronidazole every two/three months even if I’m not 100% sure I have BV, simply because I get it so often. (And as long as I am sure I haven’t been exposed to an STI).

It kept coming back and was making my life a misery so this is what she has suggested we do so I can avoid swabs etc on a regular basis.

Has anyone else done this? I’m worried about taking them so regularly and then them not working? Or if one time I take them when I haven’t actually got it, does that matter? She says not but I have googled a lot...

[FJ459]

Hi there, I've not taken metronidazole as regularly as this but I would be reluctant to as when I have taken it (quite a lot for recurrant bv) it's made me really nauseous and then as antibiotics kill all bacteria good and bad I would always end up with thrush and then having to deal with that too! Couldn't comment on it losing effectiveness over time I guess you would just have to trust the doctor on that one...
I'm sure you've tried all sorts of over the counter treatments but thought I'd mention that betafem gel works well for me. Especially using as preventative, so just apply gel every few days whether you have symptoms or not. Good luck with your treatment I hope you find a solution, it's horrible isn't it!

[Pudmyboy]

Did your GP give you any information on BV or what it is thought to be caused by and treatment options etc? It would be worth checking if your local GUM clinic had services for women with chronic BV, where other medications/advice is offered. The larger ones do.
The BASHH guidelines may give some insight though they are a bit long to read. Also FPA Sexwise website has information.
Did you get advice on washing ie no soaps in vag region, no douching, no Dettol in bath...Can you find a pattern to when it happens eg before/after period: if so then using something like Balance Activ just before you predict your symptoms would start may help prevent it happening. I wouldn't be that happy being told to take antibiotics for something which isn't a true infection, especially as there is growing concern about antibiotic resistance. Plus as pointed out, metronidazole is a horrible tablet to take.

[Northernsoullover]

I had recurring BV when I had an IUD. I had it removed and haven't had an episode since.