How Long Does It Take for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) to Clear Up?

With antibiotics, bacterial vaginosis clears up within three days, according to Cigna. Although symptoms may clear, patients should take the full course of antibiotics that lasts around seven days. Mild cases of bacterial vaginosis may also clear up on their own in a few days, notes WebMD.

WebMD explains that bacterial vaginosis occurs when something upsets the balance of good and bad bacteria. Experts are unaware of the exact cause, but douching and new or multiple sexual partners may put women at risk. Physicians treat bacterial vaginosis with antibiotics such as metronidazole, clindamycin and tinidazole, according to Mayo Clinic. Although antibiotics may cure bacterial vaginosis, the condition may return. If this happens, a physician may prescribe extended-use antibiotics.