Why You Keep Getting Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by a change in the natural balance of “good” vs “bad” bacteria in the vagina that often leads to symptoms that are downright miserable. 

Itching, odor, irritation, and a really odd discharge are all common with this often stubborn vaginal infection that has a reputation for returning. Many women also feel embarrassed that they have BV, especially considering that one cause is believed to be sexual activity.

Whether you’re experiencing your first signs of a vaginal infection and wondering, “How did I suddenly get BV?” and are concerned that it could be considered sexually transmitted, or you get recurring BV and are desperately searching for “How do I stop being prone to BV?, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, we’re going to discuss what BV is, what causes the infection, why up to 80% of women experience recurring BV, and clear up the confusion surrounding if a man can give you BV.

Just know, having BV does not mean you’re dirty. Bacterial vaginosis affects 1 in 3 women at some point. You’re not alone, and come to find out, it seems like the fellas might need to be on the lookout as well.

Do I have BV?

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a vaginal infection that happens when normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow and become imbalanced.

The medical community has determined that Lactobacillus species bacteria, which maintain balance and prevent overgrowth, are taken over by other bacteria (most commonly Gardnerella vaginalis), which then causes vaginal pH to rise, creating the ideal atmosphere for BV to occur. 

What’s not clear is exactly how this bacterial imbalance is triggered. From poor hygiene practices and stress to hormones and sexual activity, there seem to be many causes of BV. We’ll go over them all a little further down.

First, let’s talk about how to know if the symptoms you’re experiencing are BV or another infection.

To know if your odd discharge and vaginal discomfort are from BV, or another type of vaginitis, such as a yeast infection, or trichomoniasis (an STI caused by a tiny parasite), you must visit a doctor for an exam and testing.

Yes, there are symptoms that are pretty telling that you have BV. However, many vaginal infections can have similar-looking symptoms and are just as common in women as BV.

Not to mention, many woman with BV do not show symptoms, and often, very mild cases can go away on their own.

When symptoms of BV occur, they might show up as:

• Unusual foul-smelling, “fishy” vaginal discharge, especially after sex.
  
• A change in color and consistency in vaginal discharge, often being thin and gray, white, or green in color.
  
• Burning during urination.
  
• Redness or swelling of the vulva.
  
• Pain, itching, or burning around the outside of the vagina.
  

There isn’t an over-the-counter test to confirm you have BV.  If you believe you may have an infection, you must see a doctor to get tested and treated, which you’ll want to do sooner rather than later. 

While BV is typically a mild and treatable infection, left untreated, it can potentially lead to serious issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility issues.

The sooner you have a definitive diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin. That said, as we mentioned earlier, BV can be stubborn. Even women who receive successful treatment from a doctor can keep getting BV. 

How Long Does BV Last?

The duration of bacterial vaginosis (BV) largely depends on what triggered bacteria to become imbalanced, how quickly you seek treatment, and how your body responds. 

In most cases, a typical course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor clears up the infection within about a week or two, with many women reporting symptom relief in a couple of days.

However, it’s not uncommon for BV to persist even after treatment. Roughly 1 in 10 women may need an additional round of antibiotics to fully get rid of the symptoms.

If you’re experiencing persistent or recurring BV, don’t be discouraged. Return to your healthcare provider to discuss all possibilities that could be causing BV recurrence. Prompt care is the key to feeling better and minimizing complications. They will help determine the best long-term prevention strategies to reduce your risk of future flare-ups. Then you must follow your treatment plan closely. 

That said, it’s also not uncommon for women to continue to have recurring BV, a condition where a woman experiences repeated episodes of bacterial vaginosis within a short period, typically within 3 to 12 months. 

Why BV keeps coming back can be tricky to determine, but the medical community has a few solid theories, and has now confirmed a new reason women have been suggesting for decades. 

So, let’s dive into why experts believe you keep getting bacterial vaginosis, ways to prevent BV from returning, and possibilities of how to naturally fight off BV.

How Can BV Happen

While treatable, bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be a challenging infection to figure out. Trying to determine why you suddenly got BV, why it won’t go away, or why it keeps coming back can be just as frustrating as the symptoms. 

What is the Main Cause of BV?

Doctors and researchers know that an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in the vagina is the main cause of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It’s what triggers the overgrowth that could have multiple culprits.

Several factors, some known and some still being studied, are believed to increase harmful bacteria and change vaginal pH in ways that could lead to BV, including:

• Improper hygiene habits that allow bacteria to reach the vagina
• Sexual activity, especially with new or multiple partners
• Heavily scented products and certain antibacterial soaps
• Some forms of birth control
• Hormone changes
• Spermicides
• Antibiotic use
• Smoking
• A poor diet
• Chronic stress

Women of any age can get BV. However, it is most common during reproductive years, between the ages of 15 and 44.

Why Does BV Keep Coming Back?

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who seems to have BV on repeat, you should know this is extremely common. Statistics show that as high as 80% of women will experience a recurrence of BV within 6 to 12 months after treatment.

The reason why BV returns isn’t always simple because it’s most commonly tied to how easily the vaginal microbiome can be thrown out of balance, which can occur for many reasons.

One reason BV seems to happen and recur might shock you, because it’s a cause we’ve been told for years wasn’t possible. And that is, you could be passing it back and forth between yourself and your male partner. Or, a man could have contracted it from another woman at some point and passed it along to you.

A recent study suggests that BV recurrence can be significantly reduced by treating male partners of women with BV, indicating sexual transmission as a potential cause of BV and BV recurrence.

This is a hot topic, so we’re going to dive deeper into it in a second. But first, you should know that sexual contact isn’t the only cause of recurring BV.

There are many other reasons BV keeps coming back, including:

• Incomplete restoration of healthy bacteria: Antibiotics clear harmful bacteria but don’t always rebuild protective Lactobacillus species.
• Re-exposure to triggers: Aside from unprotected sex, semen pH, douching, and using scented products can quickly disrupt vaginal balance again.
• Underlying health factors: Conditions like diabetes and immune issues can make recurrence more likely.
• Lifestyle: Not changing out of sweaty gym clothes, wiping back to front, smoking, poor diet, and stress can all cause the bacteria to regrow. 
• Natural susceptibility: Some women are simply more prone to bacterial overgrowth and shifts in vaginal pH due to genetics, hormones, or life stage.

Any of these causes can create a cycle where symptoms improve with treatment, but the vaginal environment never fully stabilizes, which sets the stage for BV to return.

Is BV Contagious?

If you’ve ever been confused about whether BV is something you can catch from another person or wondered how to “get” BV, you’re not alone. 

Unfortunately, the answer is a bit complicated.

BV is initially caused by an imbalance of the body’s own bacteria in the vagina rather than an external pathogen. Therefore, bacterial vaginosis isn’t considered “contagious” in the same way you would catch a cold or the flu, which both spread through viruses.

BV doesn’t leap from one person to another through the air or casual contact. That said, recent research indicates BV can be passed during sexual activity (yes, even from male to female), which is a complete shift in understanding from older views that focused only on the disruption of vaginal flora.

So no, BV is not “contagious” in a traditional sense. But the real question most people want to know the answer to is much more specific than that. Most people want to know, “Is BV a sexually transmitted infection?” 

Unfortunately, the water is muddy here as well. At the time this article was written, BV is not currently classified as an official STI or an STD by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

However, new research confirms what many women have been saying for a long time, which is that they know BV is associated with sex and can be passed by a male partner. 

Turns out, it’s true. Just as you can give BV bacteria to your male partner, a man can give you BV, too. 

How BV is Sexually Transmitted

It’s been long established that there is a connection between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Whether or not men can have BV and if BV is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD) is where things get complicated and controversial.

We know that studies show BV is more common in sexually active women who have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex.

It’s also known that it is possible to transmit BV-related bacteria through sexual contact, especially female-to-female or when sharing sex toys, and during oral sex without the use of dental dams. 

The medical community also agrees that women can pass BV bacteria to their male partners, and it’s well-documented by women that BV commonly shows up soon after they have sex with a male partner.

However, when it comes to whether a man can give a woman BV, the medical community has always said no because BV is an infection that can only occur in the vagina. 

Despite the logic, women have questioned this for decades. Asking, if this were true, then why does it seem as if my bf keeps giving me BV? Or, why do I keep getting BV with the same partner?

Let’s break it down and give you answers, question by question. 

Can a Man Give You BV?

Until recently, the only confirmed association between a male “giving” a woman BV was an indirect correlation. The theory has been that sperm (from unprotected sex) can temporarily raise vaginal pH, which may allow harmful bacteria to overgrow, leading to BV.

That can still be true. It’s well documented that when vaginal pH is disrupted, protective Lactobacillus species decline, which allows anaerobic bacteria (like Gardnerella) to proliferate.

However, researchers now believe that women who claimed they got BV after sex with a man (without the presence of semen to disrupt pH) were on to something. 

New research validates what many women have said for years: men are in some way associated with BV occurrence and recurrence. 

The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that when male partners of women with BV are treated (using both oral and topical antimicrobial therapy), recurrence of BV in women was significantly reduced. 

This suggests the potential for men to harbor BV-associated bacteria in penile skin or urethra and pass them back to women, sparking the debate over whether BV should be classified (or partly considered) as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

It’s important to note that the study findings have not changed the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At the time of this article, the CDC does not classify BV as an STI or an STD. 

The relationship between BV and sexual activity is still being investigated. While further studies may provide more definitive insight into the role of male partner involvement in transmission and recurrence, for now, BV is often described as sexually associated, meaning it may be linked to sexual behavior, but is not definitively “caught” from a partner in all cases.

It is important that people know that a woman having BV does not automatically mean it was acquired through sexual activity. Sexual contact is only one risk factor of BV among many. 

There are many other potential triggers that could cause the bacterial or pH imbalance that leads to BV. We’ll get to those soon. First, let’s continue with a couple more FAQs surrounding this hotly debated topic of men and BV.

Can I Give BV To My Male Partner?

As a female, you can not give your partner bacterial vaginosis. That’s because bacterial vaginosis is an infection that can only occur in the vagina. 

However, you can potentially pass the bacteria that cause BV onto your male partner during sexual contact or sexual intercourse. There is a chance he could then carry the bacteria, but he will not have bacterial vaginosis.

What are Symptoms of BV in Males?

Males cannot get bacterial vaginosis (BV) because they do not have a vagina. Therefore, they can’t have “BV symptoms.” Males can only carry the bacteria that cause BV and potentially spread it to a partner, which could cause her to develop BV.

BV bacteria don’t seem to cause symptoms in men like they do in women. Instead, men are usually silent carriers of BV, which is one reason why many women could struggle with recurring BV, and why researchers are encouraging BV testing and treatment to become standard practice in partner care.

If a man experiences the classic symptoms of BV that women experience, such as genital itching, discharge, or unusual odors, these are not symptoms of BV. They should get checked for another infection, such as thrush (a yeast infection) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Can Men Get BV?

No. Men cannot develop bacterial vaginosis. BV is a condition specific to the vaginal environment. 

However, BV bacteria can be passed on to a man through sexual contact with a female who has BV. The man can then unknowingly harbor the bacteria and potentially pass them on to female partners during sexual activity. 

Sexual partners may then unknowingly continue to swap bacteria back and forth. This is now believed to be one of the primary reasons why BV can recur in women even after successful treatment. 

To prevent this from happening, it is important to practice good hygiene, use barriers during sex, and ensure that both you and your partner are tested and treated (if needed) to help reduce the risk of reinfection.

How Does a Man Get Rid of BV?

A man cannot get rid of BV because he cannot contract the infection to begin with. Men can only be carriers of the bacteria that cause BV. For a man to get rid of that bacteria, he would need to go to a doctor for antibiotic treatment.

Currently, there are no guidelines for treating men who might carry the bacteria that cause BV, and treatment is not standard practice. 

However, in one recent study, male partners of women with BV were treated with the same antibiotic (metronidazole) plus a topical antibiotic cream, at the same time the female partner was treated, and the combination was shown to reduce BV recurrence significantly. 

Risk Factors for BV

How do people get BV? Bacterial vaginosis is most commonly caused by an imbalance of natural bacteria in the vagina. For females, while sexual activity seems to be a significant risk factor, it isn’t the only one.
There are several risk factors that could increase a woman’s chances of developing BV, some of which include:

Lifestyle/Hygiene

• Having multiple sexual partners, a new partner, or a partner who has bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV can also be spread through oral-genital contact, sharing sex toys, and using fingers during sexual activity.
  
• Not using condoms.
• Use douches, vaginal deodorants, scented soaps in or around your vagina, or bubble baths.
• Regular cigarette smoking.

Hormone Imbalance

• Hormonal changes during reproductive years, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause

Certain Medications and Medical Conditions

• Antibiotics
  
• Immunosuppressants
• Chemo
  
• SSRIs
  
• Birth control, including oral, IUD, spermicides, and barrier methods
  
• Unmanaged diabetes
  
• A weak immune system

Genetics

• If you are black, your risk for BV is twice as high as that of white women (source). However, this could be more related to the amount of physiological stress black women experience vs. white women.
  

Stress and Poor Diet

• An increase in stress due to physiological stress has been linked to a higher risk of BV. Stress hormones can upset the balance of bacteria and weaken the immune system’s response (source).
  
• A diet low in probiotic-rich foods has been identified as a potential risk factor for BV recurrence.

The good news is that you can control or eliminate most of these risks to reduce your chance of getting BV. By being aware of hygiene habits, practicing safe sex, managing health conditions, limiting the use of antibiotics, sticking to a healthy diet, and lowering stress, you can decrease your risk of bacterial vaginosis. 

However, reducing risk factors alone may not stop you from getting BV, as it is an infection that is prone to coming back in many women, despite treatment. 

Potential Complications of Bacterial Vaginosis

While bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition, it’s important to be aware of potential complications. In most cases, BV does not lead to serious health concerns. However, recurrent BV, or any case of BV left untreated, can increase the risk of more serious infections or complications. 

Understanding these complications can help you prioritize seeking timely medical attention. Here are some complications associated with BV:

• Increased Risk of STIs: Individuals with BV may have a higher risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
  
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In some instances, BV can contribute to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that may lead to infertility.
  
• Pregnancy Issues: While uncommon, pregnant individuals with BV may have an elevated risk of complications, such as premature birth or miscarriage.

Seeking medical attention is crucial if you notice an unusual odor in your vaginal discharge, experience discomfort, or if you’ve had previous vaginal infections but observe a difference in your discharge this time.

It’s also essential to consult a doctor if you have a new sex partner or different sex partners. In some cases, the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) may overlap with those of bacterial vaginosis.

Additionally, if you believe you have a yeast infection but still have symptoms after self-treatment, you should see a doctor. It’s not uncommon for women to confuse a yeast infection with bacterial vaginosis.

What Not To Do If You Suspect You Have BV

If you think you might have bacterial vaginosis, contact your local OBGYN and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. However, before your doctor’s visit, it’s important to prepare to have a more accurate exam and test results.

BV Dos and Don’ts:

• Don’t have sex until you finish your treatment. Sexual activity can not only potentially make the symptoms of the infection worse, but you could also pass the bacteria on to your partner.
  
• Don’t douche or use vaginal deodorant sprays. They might mask odors that help doctors diagnose BV, irritate your vagina more, and make symptoms worse.
  
• Do take all the medicine prescribed, even if symptoms go away.
  
• Do tell any female partners so they can get treatment.
  
• Do tell your doctor if you are on your period before scheduling an appointment. They may want to postpone, as bleeding can sometimes interfere with an accurate assessment and proper diagnosis of discharge.

How to Prevent BV

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, which can throw off our vaginal pH. While it’s not entirely avoidable, there are some ways to prevent BV:

• Practice safe sex
• Maintain good hygiene
• Don’t douche
• Avoid scented vaginal products 
• Encourage healthy vaginal bacteria to thrive by taking probiotics
• Try to maintain a vaginal pH of 4.5 or lower
• Be aware of hormone imbalances that can throw off vaginal pH
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics
• Eat a healthy diet
• Manage stress
• Don’t wear tight clothing
• Change out of sweaty clothing

Most women will experience bacterial vaginosis at least once in their lifetime, with certain life stages and lifestyle factors increasing vulnerability. So, while you might not be able to stop bacterial vaginosis, these things can help lessen your chances.

Let’s go a little deeper into the reasoning for these dos and don’ts for preventing BV. Just keep in mind that while these strategies can significantly reduce your risk, bacterial vaginosis can still occur. 

If you experience symptoms like unusual discharge, odor, or discomfort, consult your healthcare provider for a prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Things TO DO to Help Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis

Wear Breathable Underwear/Clothing

Choose cotton underwear that allows air circulation. Moisture-trapping fabrics create a breeding ground for bacteria, so opt for breathable materials that keep you dry and comfortable. Cotton allows your skin to breathe, reducing the moisture that harmful bacteria love to call home. Think of it like giving your vaginal ecosystem some much-needed ventilation.

Change Out Of Sweaty Clothes ASAP

Swap out sweaty clothes or wet swimsuits immediately. Prolonged moisture creates the perfect environment for bacterial overgrowth. Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments, so the longer you sit in wet workout gear or a soggy swimsuit, the more you’re inviting unwanted bacterial guests to set up shop.

Practice Safe Sex and Smart Sexual Hygiene

Semen has a higher pH level that can disrupt your vaginal balance. Ideally, you should practice safe sex by using condoms and dental dams, and while it’s not proven to prevent BV, it can’t hurt to urinate after sexual activity to help flush out potential bacteria.

But what if you are in a monogamous relationship where you don’t want to use condoms? Does your body ever “adjust” to your partner’s sperm? The short answer is complicated.

While your body does have incredible adaptive mechanisms, it doesn’t necessarily mean your vaginal microbiome will permanently adjust to your partner’s specific biological chemistry. Each sexual encounter can potentially introduce changes to your delicate bacterial balance.

We also now know that men can potentially harbor the bacteria that cause BV, and that it can potentially be passed between partners during sexual contact. Yet another reason to practice safe sex and have open conversations about the risk of transmitting BV with all sexual partners. 

Take a Probiotic Supplement for Vaginal Health

This is one of the best preventative steps you can take to keep your vaginal microbiome balanced. However, you can’t grab just any probiotic supplement. For example, the probiotic you take for your gut might not have the specific strains of bacteria needed for vaginal health.

You should take a probiotic supplement specifically designed for vaginal health or check the label of your probiotic to ensure it contains targeted strains of Lactobacillus.

A few to look for are: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are all known to support a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Keep Vaginal pH Balanced

Lowering vaginal pH can be helpful because an acidic environment is less welcoming to harmful bacteria. You might want to ask your healthcare provider about using vaginal boric acid. Your vagina’s pH is delicate, and several things can disrupt the balance between good and bad bacteria, including bacterial overgrowth and hormonal imbalances that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.

Manage Underlying Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, like obesity and diabetes, especially if your blood sugar isn’t managed, can increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis. So can impaired immune function and some STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Avoid or Limit Antibiotic Use

Courses of antibiotics are known to kill off good bacteria. While they’re sometimes necessary to treat infections, they can disrupt your vaginal microbiome.

The type of vaginitis most likely to occur due to antibiotic use is a yeast infection, but bacterial vaginosis can also develop if the antibiotic causes your protective bacterial balance to be thrown off.

Manage Stress Levels

Stress can weaken the immune system and make the vagina more susceptible to infection. While it is impossible to avoid stress (especially as a woman), you should do things to keep stress in check.

Things to AVOID to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis

Harsh Hygiene Products

Your vagina actually does a pretty good job of cleaning itself. While personal hygiene is important, using harsh, scented soaps is not necessary and can even be a culprit in disrupted vaginal pH balance.

These products strip away protective bacteria and can alter your vaginal pH, creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. Stick to mild, unscented, and pH-balanced cleansers specifically designed for intimate areas.

Douching

We don’t care what your grandma or some holistic social media influencer tells you; you should avoid douching completely. It’s one of the most damaging things you can do for your vaginal health.

Douching literally flushes out the good bacteria that protect you, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can rapidly multiply. Do not douche!!!

Unprotected Sex

Unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners, can introduce all kinds of new bacteria that throw off your vagina’s natural balance, but it’s not just the bacteria.

As mentioned above, semen can also be a BV trigger. Since semen has a higher pH, it can make your vaginal environment less acidic, creating the perfect conditions for harmful bacteria, like Gardnerella, to thrive.

Wiping From Back to Front

Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom. Wiping from back to front can transfer bacteria from your rectum directly to your vaginal and urethral areas, dramatically increasing your risk of bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections.

Taking Long Baths

Prolonged exposure to water, especially bubble baths or bath products with fragrances and chemicals, can potentially disrupt your vaginal pH and bacterial balance. If you love baths, keep them shorter, avoid scented products, and rinse with clean water afterward.

Smoking

Smoking doesn’t just damage your lungs. It can also wreak havoc on your vaginal health. Tobacco use can alter your immune response, reduce blood circulation, and create inflammation that makes you more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis. The chemicals in cigarettes can also change your vaginal environment, making it easier for harmful bacteria to grow.

When to Take Extra BV Prevention Precautions

Anyone who hopes to avoid vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis should follow the dos and don’ts guidelines above. However, there are some life stages and situations that require extra vigilance in preventing bacterial vaginosis.

Here are some specific times when you’ll want to be particularly proactive about your vaginal health:

• During reproductive years (ages 14 and up)
• When going through menopause
• During pregnancy
• Other scenarios that cause significant hormonal changes
• Anytime you have a new sexual partner
• If you are sexually active with multiple partners
• If you have frequent intercourse (even with the same partner)
• If you experience recurring BV infections
• When taking a course of antibiotics
• During times of chronic stress or lack of sleep
• If you have a compromised immune system
• If you have poor lifestyle habits like smoking or excess alcohol consumption

Beyond these commonly known risk factors, there are some less-discussed risk factors that might also increase your chance of getting bacterial vaginosis.

For instance, certain ethnicities show higher susceptibility to BV. While the exact reason is unknown, studies show that black women have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis compared to white women.

The type of birth control you use can also play a role. Copper IUDs, in particular, might slightly increase BV risk compared to other contraceptive methods. Some studies suggest this could be due to changes in vaginal inflammation or immune response triggered by the device.

A Note on Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to take extra care. About 1 in 4 pregnant women will get BV due to all the hormonal shifts happening in the body. These changes can throw off your vaginal pH and disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria, making you more susceptible to infections like BV. So, if you’re expecting, pay close attention to any symptoms and keep up with healthy habits. our body (and your baby) will thank you.

How is BV Treated During Pregnancy?

Every woman and pregnancy is different. Your doctor will guide you with treatment should you develop BV while pregnant.

That said, BV can be safely treated while you’re pregnant. Doctors typically prescribe oral antibiotics, most commonly metronidazole or clindamycin, as these are considered safe in pregnancy and effective at clearing infection. Treatment usually lasts 5–7 days.

It’s crucial not to self-treat BV with over-the-counter products or home remedies during pregnancy. Always consult your OB/GYN for an accurate diagnosis and a prescription that’s safe for you and your baby.

Even with treatment, BV can sometimes come back. If symptoms return, let your provider know so you can be monitored closely throughout your pregnancy.

How to Avoid Recurring BV

The same way you prevent getting your first BV infection is pretty much the same way you keep it from coming back again. Therefore, to help prevent recurring BV, it’s crucial to take all of the above-mentioned changes to your lifestyle and hygiene seriously.

Also, considering that we now know that men can carry and pass along the bacteria that cause BV, it is essential to have open discussion, practice safe sex, and if needed, both partners get treated and avoid sex until the infection has cleared.

Additionally, if you have been given a treatment plan by your doctor, it is important that you follow it exactly and follow up immediately if symptoms continue or progress.

What Doctor to See for BV

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, an OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) is your best bet for expert care. These specialized physicians are the most educated when it comes to vaginal health, reproductive systems, and addressing intimate medical concerns like bacterial vaginosis.

An OB/GYN specializes in the entire female reproductive system and has extensive training in diagnosing and treating conditions just like bacterial vaginosis. They understand the complexities of vaginal health that a primary care doctor might overlook.

For example, it’s not uncommon for a woman to be misdiagnosed with another type of vaginal infection if they go to urgent care or use telehealth services. While your symptoms might seem straightforward, many vaginal infection symptoms overlap. An OB/GYN can provide comprehensive testing, accurate diagnosis, and targeted treatment that considers your entire health profile.

If you do not have a history of recurring vaginal infections or are not at high risk for an STI and can’t get an appointment with an OB/GYN, other medical professionals can certainly help. Your primary care physician, a nurse practitioner at an urgent care clinic, or a general practitioner are all qualified to diagnose and treat bacterial vaginosis.

They can perform the necessary tests, prescribe antibiotics, and provide initial guidance.

However, for women experiencing recurring bacterial vaginosis or more complex symptoms, those who are sexually active or have additional health concerns, scheduling with an OB/GYN is strongly recommended.

How an OBGYN Can Help You

Your vagina is important, so you should stay on top of your vaginal health. Listen to your body; if something is off, you must treat it as soon as possible. Your OBGYN can help you keep your vagina happy and healthy.

Because bacterial vaginosis can look like other infections, like yeast infections, an OBGYN can help you know what you have. They may perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of your vaginal discharge, which they will look at under a microscope. It’s important to know exactly what you have so your doctor can give you the right treatment.

For example, yeast infections can be treated with OTC medicines, while bacterial vaginosis cannot. Even so, it would be best to see your local doctor. For those who live in Brentwood or Franklin, TN, Cool Springs OBGYN is currently accepting new patients. They would be more than happy to see you.

Don’t self-diagnose or use OTC treatments, at-home remedies, or homeopathic medicines—even boric acid suppositories—unless your OBGYN tells you it’s ok.

Receiving the right treatment can help you get rid of your BV. If left untreated, BV can lead to premature birth in pregnant women, increase your risk of getting STIs, and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to address BV, even if you don’t have symptoms. Your provider can prescribe medication that’s safe to use during pregnancy. Treating BV lowers the risk of complications such as premature birth or having a baby with low birth weight. Taking care of BV early helps protect both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Also, if you keep getting BV, you should tell your OBGYN so they can figure out the best plan of attack to help you beat chronic BV. They know all the tricks and latest treatments that will work best for your lifestyle.

For example, your OBGYN might suggest taking a stronger dose of antibiotics, using a gel or cream instead of a pill, taking a daily probiotic, or something else.

See a Gynecologist in Cool Springs and Brentwood, TN, for BV Tests and Treatment

To see how you can get rid of your BV for good, please schedule an appointment at Cool Springs Gynecology and speak with Dr. Lodge and his team in Brentwood, TN. Our experienced team will help you learn about options that fit your needs best.

FAQ – Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

If you have more questions about women’s health or bacterial vaginosis, call Cool Springs OBGYN in Brentwood, TN, at (615) 690-6600