If the doctor says take metronidazole or clindamycin for one week (the two often prescribed) then you should take it for the full course prescribed, exactly as directed. Don’t skip a day or stop taking the medication early. Even if the symptoms are already gone in a matter of days, stopping or not completing the prescribed regimen will increase your risk in getting BV again.
Consuming lactobacilli through food sources, such as yogurt (with the label of “live and active cultures”), soy milk, kefir, sauerkraut, milk, pickles, and olives encourages vaginal flora growth. You should eat 5 ounces of probiotic-containing food daily to help the vagina maintain its acid-base balance. Taking probiotics in concentrated forms, such as Ecoflora tablets, has shown good results at helping prevent recurrence of BV.
Specialists believe that by wearing thongs there is a greater chance of transferring germs from the anus into the vagina and consequently causing BV. Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable skirts and pants is part of what may help speed treatment and prevent recurrence of BV. Remove any underwear or panties when you sleep to allow for more air circulation.
When you have wiped your vaginal area, you may repeat the steps of wiping by starting behind the vagina to wipe the anal area and between your buttocks. By cleaning these two areas separately, you’ll prevent introducing bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
Transmission of BV is more common in women having sexual intercourse with women because vaginal discharges and cervical mucus are exchanged when having sex. There is no best way to circumvent this unless you let BV fully recover or you practice total abstinence. Using a latex-free condom or dental dam during sex for the first month after completing the antibiotic treatment for BV has been shown to reduce the risks of BV recurring. Thoroughly clean any sex toys to prevent spreading the infection or even reinfecting yourself.
The vagina has its own self-cleaning behavior. The natural acidity in the vagina helps get rid of harmful bacteria. Douching will not affect a vaginal infection, and will likely make it worse. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
It’s okay to use mild soap and water to wash the outer region of the vagina. Using hot tubs and whirlpools may also have a negative effect on your vaginal health. It’s a good idea to limit the use of hot tubs if you’re trying to prevent BV from recurring.
The best laundry soap for underwear will be free of fragrance and softeners. If you get hot and sweaty, change out of your stale underwear promptly. Changing your underwear only once a day might not be enough if you live an active lifestyle.
Alternate between wearing tampons and pads for the duration of your period. Only wear pads and liners if you need to, as they can prevent entrance of air into the genitals making the area warm and moist. This becomes an inviting environment for bacteria to thrive in.
Women who don’t use condoms, but do use intrauterine devices (IUDs), are more likely to get BV than those who use condoms or who are not sexually active. BV is not the result of bad hygiene. You can get BV without having sex, but many women who are diagnosed with BV report having recent sexual activity with either male or female partners. Sexual activity includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Men can not be diagnosed with BV.
Grey, white or yellowish discharge. This is caused by an outgrowth of the bad bacteria that thrives in the vagina, thereby interrupting the normal vaginal flora. Foul-smelling discharge. Most commonly described as a “fishy odor” and usually becomes worse after sexual intercourse. No signs of soreness or itchiness. BV can sometimes be confused with a yeast infection, also known as thrush. This infection of the vaginal area results in a milky discharge, itchiness and soreness. If your genital area itches, it’s unlikely to be BV. Pain upon urination. Some women report a painful sensation of burning and sometimes stinging.
The acidity of the sample will be measured. If your sample is less acidic than it should be (less than 4. 5 pH) you may have bacterial vaginosis. Your medical provider may examine the sample under a microscope. If your lactobacilli count is low, but there is an abundance of “clue” cells (cells from the vaginal lining that are coated with bacteria), it’s likely you have BV.
