How did I get bacterial vaginosis?

BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.

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Why did I randomly start getting BV?

There are multiple risk factors for bacterial vaginosis. Anything from genetics, sex partners, lifestyle, diet, and stress levels can trigger BV. Your OBGYN can help you discover the reasons why you keep getting BV.

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Is BV caused by poor hygiene?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by the overgrowth of the natural vaginal bacteria. BV is a common infection, especially among pregnant women. The cause of BV is not fully understood; it is not caused by poor hygiene. The women affected by BV may not show any signs or symptoms.

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Can you naturally get BV?

Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis. It usually occurs in people who are sexually active. It's rare for it to occur in people who've never had sex. Some people may naturally produce too much of the bacteria that causes BV.

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Can BV be triggered?

Bacterial vaginosis is not an STI, even though it can be triggered by sex. A woman can pass it to another woman during sex. You're more likely to get an STI if you have bacterial vaginosis.

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Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis

30 related questions found

Is my partner causing BV?

Bacterial vaginosis can't be passed from person to person. But it's more common in people who are sexually active. Other things that may increase your risk of getting it include: having a new sexual partner.

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Can my boyfriend be the reason I keep getting BV?

Studies have found that women who have an ongoing male sexual partner are twice as likely to experience BV recurrence [3,10] and that inconsistent condom use for penile-vaginal sex is also associated with higher rates of recurrence after treatment [10].

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Can drinking water flush out BV?

Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and re-establish proper vaginal pH. The mucous membranes in the vagina require fluids to be supported and healthy. Dehydration can make BV worse by allowing bacteria to become concentrated in the vagina.

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Does stress cause BV?

Any change in your immune health—like stress—can impact your vaginal pH level, making a yeast infection and/or bacterial vaginosis more common.

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How do I get rid of BV permanently?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection, and there's no way to completely stop all infections. Still, you may be able to lower your risk of developing BV with good hygiene and taking care of your overall health. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any of the symptoms of BV.

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What happens if bacterial vaginosis goes untreated?

Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.

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What foods should be avoided with BV?

Researchers suggest that high fat intake, particularly saturated fat may increase vaginal pH, thereby increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis. As you can see in the associated video Bacterial Vaginosis and Diet, most saturated fat in the American diet comes from dairy, desserts, and chicken.

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What does BV smell like?

Bacterial vaginitis (BV) can produce a fishy odor that is also accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, irritation, burning and sometimes itching. It is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria that live within the vagina.

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Why do I get BV every time I sleep with my boyfriend?

Why does my boyfriend keep giving me BV? Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. For some people, exposure to semen can alter the bacteria in your vagina and cause BV. If this applies to you, using a condom can help reduce the risk of recurring BV.

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How do you know when BV is cleared?

After treatment, you do not need any further tests to ensure that BV has cleared (a test of cure) provided that your symptoms have gone.

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Why is BV hard to get rid of?

Disruptive microbes have formed a biofilm

Bacteria in a biofilm are able to survive in this self-sustaining structure, making it harder to eradicate them. The ability of BV-causing bacteria to potentially form a biofilm may explain in part why BV has such a high recurrence rate.

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What kills the bacteria in BV?

Your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic medication (a pill, gel or cream) to kill the infection. These might include: Clindamycin, a cream you use in your vagina. It sells under the brand names Cleocin and Clindesse.

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How I got rid of my BV naturally?

Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis
  1. Yogurt. There's limited research that proves that consuming yogurt can help treat BV. ...
  2. Probiotics. Some research work has been done to study the effects of probiotics on the vaginal microbiome. ...
  3. Tea tree oil. ...
  4. Boric acid. ...
  5. Hydrogen peroxide. ...
  6. Garlic. ...
  7. Herbs. ...
  8. Apple cider vinegar.

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How do you clean yourself with BV?

Vaginas are self-cleaning, so you don't need to clean the inside of your vagina. Washing your vulva with mild, unscented soap or just plain water is the healthiest way to clean your genitals.

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Why does my girlfriend always have BV?

BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.

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Which probiotic is best for BV?

Which probiotics are best for BV? Lactobacilli-based probiotics such as Lacticasebacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus reuteri are best for treating BV.

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Can I get BV from my husbands sperm?

Bacterial vaginosis causes

Several factors can make increase the number of bacteria, including: Sex. Semen impacts the pH level in the vagina, which can contribute to a higher rate of bacteria growth.

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