Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is a type of inflammation of the vagina and is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, but is associated with an overgrowth of bacteria that normally resides in the vagina. Doctors don't know the exact cause of BV, but certain factors, such as having sex, can increase your risk of getting the infection. In addition, medical professionals know that taking certain preventive steps can help you avoid getting BV.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preventing BV
Step 1. Practice safe sex
Safe sex is a good way to help reduce the risk of getting bacterial vaginosis. While abstinence is the single most significant way to reduce the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, it's not the easiest solution to practice. Always use a condom during sexual contact to reduce the risk of getting BV.
Use a condom when receiving treatment for BV if you are in a monogamous relationship and are not used to using it, to avoid further problems for you and your partner
Step 2. Limit sexual partners
Doctors can't explain why, but the more sexual partners a person has, the greater the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Try to limit the number of partners you have to minimize your risk of developing BV.
- If both you and your partner are unfaithful, it can also increase your risk of getting BV, especially if you don't use protection (condoms).
- Communicating openly with your partner can help both of you to avoid getting or transmitting BV.
- Having BV and having multiple partners can significantly increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease.
Step 3. Consider using birth control alternatives to spiral birth control
There are several studies showing that the use of spiral birth control to control pregnancy can increase the risk of developing BV. Talk to your doctor about using other forms of birth control if you have a history of bacterial vaginosis.
- Condoms are an excellent way to reduce the risk of getting pregnant and getting BV.
- Other forms of pregnancy control that can be used include birth control pills and patches, or vaginal rings; diaphragm contraception; hormone injections, or cervical caps.
Step 4. Help the body maintain a balance of bacteria in the vagina
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the number of good bacteria in the vagina. Helping to keep vaginal bacterial counts in balance can keep you from getting BV. Daily cleansing and wearing appropriate clothing when the weather is warm can help keep vaginal bacteria from becoming a potential imbalance.
- Wash the external genitals and anus daily using a mild soap, such as Dove or Cetaphil.
- Always wipe the vagina from the front to the anus after urinating.
- Keep the genital area cool by wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight pants. It's a good idea to avoid wearing stockings during the dry season.
Step 5. Only use water to clean the vagina if necessary
Avoid using douche products (a vaginal cleaning device that sprays water/solution into it) to clean the inside of the vagina. Do not use a vaginal douche if you have or are currently experiencing bacterial vaginosis. The douche kills the good bacteria in the vagina and increases the risk of the infection occurring or recurring.
The vagina cleans itself naturally, but if you feel the need to clean the vagina, rinse only using warm water in a bath tub
Step 6. Get regular pelvic exams
Seeing a gynecologist regularly for a pelvic exam is very important to maintain both overall body health as well as genital health. Doctors may find BV during a routine check-up and prescribe a course of treatment.
If you don't have a private/subscribed gynecologist, most GPs can also provide an annual pelvic exam
Step 7. Take all the medicines given
It is very important to take all medicines prescribed by a doctor to treat BV. If your doctor diagnoses you with BV, be sure to finish all your prescribed medications and call your doctor again if you're concerned. Discontinuing treatment may increase the risk of recurrence of BV.
Step 8. Eat probiotics or foods rich in lactobacilli
Some theories suggest that the consumption of probiotics or the use of lactobacilli colonization therapy, which promotes an increase in good bacteria in the vagina, may help prevent BV. Consider eating foods such as fermented cheese for probiotics or yogurt as a form of lactobacilli colonization therapy. These foods can help maintain healthy vaginal bacteria.
- The number of lactobacilli is lower in women suffering from BV, therefore the theory uses lactobacilli colonization therapy as a form of treatment.
- There is little research to determine if eating foods rich in lactobacilli, such as yogurt or bananas, can prevent BV.
- Consider taking over-the-counter probiotics. Some research suggests that the use of probiotics can help prevent BV.
- Probiotics can be found in foods such as kombucha, miso, and kefir. Fermented vegetables and cheeses such as pickled cabbage, kimchi, Gouda cheese, cheddar, and Swiss are also high in probiotics.
Part 2 of 2: Understanding BV
Step 1. Learn the symptoms of BV
BV causes many different symptoms that may occur. Learning about the symptoms of BV can help you recognize them and know when to see your doctor for potential treatment.
- Some women have no symptoms of BV at all.
- The main symptoms of BV are watery discharge from the vagina, a fishy odor, pain, itching, or a burning sensation in the vagina. In addition, patients may feel pain when urinating.
Step 2. Have your doctor diagnose and treat your BV
See a doctor if you experience any symptoms of BV. The doctor will establish a diagnosis and prescribe medication, which is the only way to treat BV.
- Your doctor will examine your genitalia for signs of BV. In addition, he will also perform a laboratory examination of vaginal discharge to establish a diagnosis.
- The drugs most commonly used to treat BV are oral or topical metronidazole, clindamycin cream, or tindazole oral pill.
- In general, the male partner of a woman with BV does not need treatment.
- In some cases, BV will go away on its own, but it is advisable to get a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.
Step 3. Learn the risks of untreated BV
You put yourself at greater risk of a serious medical condition if you suspect or know that you have BV but don't seek treatment from your doctor. Knowing the risks of untreated BV can shake your decision about seeing a doctor.
- BV can increase your risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- BV can increase the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, to your partner.
- If you are pregnant and have BV, not treating it can increase your risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight.
Step 4. Beware of myths about BV
Just as you need to know how to prevent BV, you also need to understand what doesn't cause the disease. Bacterial vaginosis will not spread through toilet seats, bedding (sheets, blankets, etc.), swimming pools, or by touching objects around you.
