Metronidazole topical and Headaches: What Users Say

• Wes...
• December 7, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "3 years of BV. It has continued as such, sex, embarrassment, doctors' visits, 7-day treatment of Flagyl. Cleared for a couple of weeks only to repeat the cycle. Tried home remedies, adding yogurt, probiotics, boric acid suppositories, but nothing has fixed the issue. We understand it's an imbalance in pH/vaginal flora. The boric acid helped with the odor, but once you slack off, the odor was worse. I was back at the doctor's office, asked for the MetroGel to not leave a stone unturned. Side effects were minimal, reoccurring evening headaches/constipation but I had a sex drive again. Now this may seem like an odd side effect but more of a glimmer of hope. I've been so defeated with embarrassment, sex has been the furthest thing on my mind. I currently finished my 5-day cycle and worry it will be back since I think intercourse is partly to blame. I'll check back in a couple of weeks to give an update. I refuse to let BV ruin my self-confidence or sex life. Chin up ladies, we're not alone."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "For me, this gel has been a lifesaver. I had BV for months. I was prescribed the metronidazole pills, and I was too nauseated to move, everything tasted bad, I had headaches. I couldn't finish the prescription. I tried other antibiotics, but they didn't work for me. For a while, I gave up and lived with BV symptoms. Then I was prescribed this gel. The directions say to use it before bed, but there were a couple of nights I didn't lay down right away, and the medicine didn't leak out of me at all. It cleared the infection that I had been fighting for MONTHS in 5 days. I even had sex one night after using it, and neither of us noticed the gel, and my BV still went away. Not telling you to do the same, just that I had no issues. I'm really glad I didn't read the reviews on here before trying this gel."

• Mst...
• April 10, 2021

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I’m currently on my 5th day of using the metronidazole vaginal gel! The only side effects I’ve noticed are a slight headache every so often and a thick white, cottage-like discharge, usually the morning after I wake up from using the gel. I let my doctor know that, and she said to use the gel for two more nights, but that it should just be my vagina cleaning out the infection, so hopefully the discharge goes away soon! I’ve been having recurring BV for four months now, and I have no odor or anything since I’ve been using it! I highly recommend taking a woman’s probiotic while taking this just to make sure you don’t get a yeast infection!"

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "After reading all the comments, I feel weird. I’m on my last night of MetroGel, which is a course of 5 nights. I’ve had no side effects at all since I started, just some little chunks of discharge when I pee, no headaches, no cramping, no blood, no bad side effects at all, it works great! I insert the gel before I sleep when I’m ready to get in bed."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "It has been almost two weeks since I’ve been informed that I have BV. When I first went to the doctor, they gave me the pills. First, I had to take two pills daily for one week. It was the worst experience I ever had, I had headaches, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. But after that week, nothing changed. So then I went to my OB-GYN, and she said I still have BV in me. So she gave me the gel. I’ve only taken it for two days now. I have no itch. The only thing is I have a thick white discharge with no smell. Hopefully, this goes away when I’m done."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "This medication MetroGel-vag worked better than I expected, based on some other reviews. The smell was gone by day 3 of the 5-day treatment. I am about 2 weeks post-treatment and am BV free. I avoided using it for a month or so due to the side effect horror stories (vomiting, headache, pain, yeast infection, etc.). However, I had nearly 0 effects. The only side effects I experienced were discharge and cramping similar to period cramps, which was worth it to me to get rid of the embarrassing BV symptoms."

• nyc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I've had some form of bacterial vaginitis (BV) and a yeast infection for a few months now. I went in for a pap and tested positive for both, so my OB-GYN prescribed MetroGel and Diflucan. I think both have helped, but I noticed a lot of discharge with the gel. I would have discharge the size of a quarter, and thick, multiple times a day. The symptoms of a yeast infection seem to be gone, so I'm not sure if it's from the gel or yeastie. Anyways, I didn't get the headaches or dizziness. Hoping this helps."

• Sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Seems to be working. After the first application, the smell went away. And to my surprise, NO leaking. But I’ve got a headache from HELL. I had no idea that it was a side effect till I went online. Also feeling super lazy. But that may be cause I am lazy? Just not usually this bad. Once the headache goes away, it will be worth it. I can go out in public and not worry if someone can smell me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Used MetroGel for 5 days every night before I went to bed. Before using, I freaked myself out with the reviews, but I really only experienced a headache and some stiffness in my neck, which was tolerable. On the third day, smell and discharge were gone. Been a few days since I’ve been off of it, it worked good overall :)"

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "So I feel like I always either have BV or a yeast infection. I went to the gyno for severe itching and was given an oral dose for a yeast infection. That went fine. My results came back, and I also had BV, so I started the 5-day vaginal metronidazole gel. I hate it. The first couple of days, I felt weak and dizzy. I’m on the last night, thank goodness. These past three days, including right now, I’ll get a terrible headache in the evenings. I never get headaches. Super weird. Really uncomfortable. Also very anxious and irritable. Hope this all goes away after tomorrow. And I pray I don’t get a yeast infection. Literally just took medication for one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I used Metronidazole vaginal cream 10% for bacterial vaginosis caused by washing too much. My only symptom was a yellow discharge. I was very worried to start the treatment because of the reviews, I was scared of the side effects, and I waited for a month before starting. I’m on my last day of treatment, and the only symptom I had was a bit of a headache at the beginning and, today, mild cramping. Symptoms are very minimal. I have no more discharge."

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 14, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Gave this 5 stars. I will say it helps for the moment. I have had an issue now for several months going back to the doctor because of BV and yeast infection. She gives me the Diflucan to take, then do the gel for 5 nights. Once I'm done, in a few days it is back. I'm sick of going to the doctor every month. Last visit, she had recommended fresh suppositories. Ordered them and could not do it. So, with that being said, I'm on my last night now of the gel. I got a probiotic vitamin that I will start, plus I started with the Activia yogurt and changed my soap. Fingers crossed. Side effects I agree with most: headache, cold-like symptoms, and yes, a little more tired than usual."

• Kat...
• August 16, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been having BV problems for a couple of years after I had my babe. Took this for the first time this week. Looks like it helped with BV, but caused some pretty bad symptoms: headache, stomachache, nervousness, some discharge with blood, cramping, insomnia, and intestinal issues. Hopefully it does the job!"

• ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I am in my late teens, and I am currently using the MetroGel. I am on my second day of using it twice a day. I have had very little side effects. I have had a mild headache to no headache, but very faint. That is about the only side effect that I have had from using this product so far, and it is very helpful."

• Tal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2022

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I’ve been waiting to share my experience, so here I am. First of all, I had the metronidazole gel just sitting in my dresser for at least 3 months, terrified because of the reviews I read, like literally I was just gonna accept it hoping it was going to go away (I read them ALL, by the way). Anyways, I finally got sick of dealing with BV, the smell was terrible some days, like I could smell it through my pants, it was so embarrassing. I finally got the courage one night after a nice hot shower to start the five-day process. My only and ONLY side effects were headaches and a little nauseous. My first day, the smell was completely gone, I had no chunky white discharge. I noticed very tiny cramps (no pain). The tube was a tad bit painful to get up there. But that was it. To all the ladies suffering with BV, take the gel!!! It works!! Don’t let the bad experiences control you."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2017

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "1st day fine. 2nd day it made me so sick. Severe stomach cramps, and I mean severe. Nausea, dizziness, headache, racing heart, backache, weakness, and fatigue. I haven't used it for 2 days, and most symptoms have cleared, but the stomach cramps and fatigue are still very painful. MD said to go to emergency for stomach pain, but it's an hour + drive, so I opted to try to sleep it off. Since it's still ongoing, I'll be seeing my MD tomorrow. I will never take this again!"

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I’m on my 3rd night of metronidazole vaginal gel for BV (bacterial vaginitis), and the stomach cramps are no joke. I was fine the first day, just a headache and some lightheadedness, but the second day I started noticing spotty bloody discharge and cramping. I put a tampon in, and once I took it out, it was black blood. I called the doctor, and she told me it’s old blood but probably my period coming (I’m not due for 2 weeks). I don’t know how she doesn’t know that cramping and bleeding are side effects of this drug. I’m so tired, and I don’t want to move. I don’t want to take it anymore, but the doctor said not to stop since I only have 2 days left. The smell was gone the first day, but I feel like I should have been more informed about the side effects of this drug by my doctor before using it. Not to mention the cost of it... $96!!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2022

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I went to the gynecologist for a Pap smear and was told I had BV. I was prescribed Diflucan and MetroGel once daily for 5 days at bedtime. I would say I started to feel better within 2 days of use—itching and abdominal discomfort went away. Today, on the third day, I started to notice clumpy white discharge. Reading other reviews, this is the body flushing out the infection, so I really don’t mind it. If you’re used to using tampons, this will be very easy to apply, as the applicator is basically like a longer, skinnier tampon applicator. It’s hard to say whether or not it has caused side effects because I am also currently sick. I will say I’ve had a consistent but not unbearable headache since beginning treatment, but again, this could be due to other factors. All in all, I’ve had a positive experience and hope to keep this at bay once I finish the 5-day course."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "AVOID THIS DRUG IN ANY FORM. I got diagnosed with BV and started taking the oral metronidazole pills. By day 2, I was having horrible side effects: nausea, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, tingling sensations in my body, cramps, metallic taste, dry mouth. I literally had a panic attack and was on my bathroom floor for hours. The doctor then prescribed the gel, and the side effects were the same! I barely slept, felt disgusting, and I had shortness of breath from being anxious. I’ve never had a drug make me feel so bad, and I’m unsure if I had an allergic reaction or not. (I am allergic to penicillin. Also, if you have anxiety, it will elevate from this product."

• The...
• August 8, 2021

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Light yellow/light green discharge. Urine NEG for UTI. Trich, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea - NEG. Yeast candida - NEG. Gardnerella - (BV) POSITIVE. 5 days, insert gel at night. SIDE EFFECTS DAYS: 2 - Stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, 3 - Same as day two, 4 - Runny nose, congestion, slight sore throat and headache upon awakening, 5 - Congestion, no headache. No odor during the infection, only discharge. Always take a vaginal probiotic, maybe that helped combat any odor. Had a couple of White Claws each night with ZERO SIDE EFFECTS. No sex until medicine is done and there is no discharge. I believe it's due to unprotected sex, NO ejaculation. pH still becomes unbalanced. No BV issues if I'm not having sex. Also, just bought Balance Active BV treatment gel for the future. First time using and all reviews were extremely positive. Don't think the scientists work hard enough on a permanent solution. But, at least there are temporary fixes for now, I suppose."

• Lil...
• January 14, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was diagnosed with BV by my ob/gyn, and she prescribed me Metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for 7 days. I took the pill and noticed that my discharge lessened, but my odor was still traveling around, it wasn't as strong. Then, as the days went on... Day 2: I felt dizzy, as if the room was spinning, minor cramps, headache. Day 3: nausea, cramps, dizziness, headache, constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite. Day 4: I was vomiting all night, and I decided to stop taking the pills and called my doctor in the morning because the side effects weren't getting any better and my BV didn't seem to be clearing up as much as I wanted it to. She prescribed me Metronidazole vaginal 0.75% gel for 5 days, and I haven't taken it yet, but will be reviewing."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2024

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I always get BV in the beginning of my pregnancy. So I could barely wait until my 2nd trimester to get the 0.75 MetroGel for 5 days. By day 2, the odor and uncomfortable feeling were gone! Full disclosure, I had a headache on days 2 and 3. It’s day 4, and I’m noticing some white yeast-like discharge, but there was no burning or itching. So far, it has been successful, and I'm happy it’s considered safe for me and the baby."

• Vvv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

For Bacterial Vaginosis "My doctor prescribed me the gel a month ago. I read all the reviews, and I was really scared to try it because I have a history of anxiety and panic attacks. I’m now finished with the 5th day, and I have had minimal side effects of lower stomach cramps and a mild headache."

• Sta...
• February 5, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Day 1 and I’m feeling pretty bad. Slight headache, but it’s mostly the weakness, tired, hot, and dry mouth. I have MS, which might be making it a bit worse. I ate a few snacks last night before taking, hoping it would help, and maybe it did with tummy stuff. The application scared me a bit because it’s larger than OTC cream. However, it seems you don’t have to go too deep. I’m going to try again tonight and hopefully feel better as the day goes on. I’d like to make it to work today. I’ll post again tomorrow. I hope this works for me as I go on vacation in 6 days!"

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2025

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I have had to use this gel 2 or 3 times over the last few years. I’ve recently switched sexual partners and needed it again. I feel like BV is fairly normal for me, honestly, I don’t smell or have any issues when I have BV. I will say I just finished an antibiotic for 2 STIs and immediately had to start the gel because of BV and slight yeast (which I never even really noticed). I’m on day 5, and I have definitely been depressed, and my anxiety has been on edge this entire week! My stomach is cramping so bad, and I’ve barely eaten. I’ve had a slight headache. I did take a yeast pill as well, I believe on day 1 or 2 of the gel. I just had sex 2 or 3 days ago and it was fine, but this time it was nasty and kind of gross honestly. Not only was the discharge thick, chunky, and white all over my husband, but it was green and yellowish also, and clumpy. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was like diarrhea-colored (ew)."