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.
Why do I keep 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.
Recurrent bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the vaginal bacteria normally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition and treatment is available; however, in some women the condition may recur or even become chronic, requiring multiple and sometimes long-term treatments.
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].
A healthy vagina is normally acidic, while healthy sperm are alkaline, which can throw off the balance of bacteria in your vagina. To maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance, your best bet is to use condoms during intercourse, and to avoid both douching and medications that contain estrogen, if possible.
While BV may go away on its own, if you have symptoms you should take an antibiotic to treat BV. Pregnant women who have BV are more likely to have complications, so it's especially important for them to get treated. Antibiotics include metronidazole, either orally or vaginally, or clindamycin (oral or vaginal).
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.
Recurring BV is when you get BV again within three months of an episode. It is very common to have recurring BV. According to one study, over 50% of those who get BV will experience symptoms again within 12 months.
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.
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.
Vitamin C applied locally to the vagina increases the acidity of the vagina, potentially inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with BV. Vitamin C has been shown to lower the vaginal pH, making it more acidic and creating a terrain that makes it less suitable for the growth of harmful bacteria.
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.
Any change in your immune health—like stress—can impact your vaginal pH level, making a yeast infection and/or bacterial vaginosis more common. Unfortunately, your stress probably isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
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.
As well as being effective for curing and preventing bacterial vaginosis oral probiotics were also effective against yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and HPV [14]. Probiotics were safe and useful for women for even pregnant women with BV [5].
BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection, and there's no way to completely stop all infections.
Duration of Bacterial Vaginosis
Once BV is treated with antibiotics, it usually goes away. But sometimes it persists or recurs, often within three months, for reasons that aren't entirely understood. If a person keeps getting BV, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.
Women who are not pregnant
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.
Yes, talking to your partner about vaginal infections for the first time can be awkward, but it's also pretty much inevitable. Remember, you have a right to feel comfortable talking about every aspect of sexual health with whoever you're dating — whether it's a new hookup or a live-in partner.