Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally in the vagina in small numbers. While it's more common in women who are sexually active, it also occurs in women who are not sexually active. It's not necessary for your sexual partner to be treated. Women with bacterial vaginosis are more likely to get more serious infections if the bacteria get up into the uterus or the fallopian tubes. Treating bacterial vaginosis will lower this risk.
Treatment is especially important in pregnant women.
There are several ways to treat bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor may prescribe pills for you to take by mouth, or a cream or gel to put in your vagina. It's important to use your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Alcohol plus these medicines can give you nausea and vomiting. Even the small amount of alcohol in many cough syrups can give you nausea and vomiting if you're taking metronidazole.