Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial vaginosisis a bacterial infection that affects the vagina.
This infection can develop anytime there is an imbalance in the natural chemistry and bacterial makeup of the vagina.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
Persistent and recurrent BV is common, so you should complete any prescribed medications that are offered to you.
See your healthcare provider if your symptoms aren’t resolved or if they return after treatment.
Untreated or unresolved BV can increase your chances of developing other sexually transmitted infections.
Should My Partner Be Treated?
Recurrent BV is currently treated with longer durations of the same antibiotics used with initial treatment in most cases.
This can happen after antibiotic use or other conditions that can destroy your store of helpful or protective bacteria.
It’s also a good idea to avoid strong cleansers or hygiene products with perfumes or dyes.
Lowering vaginal pH can also be helpful.
An acidic environment creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria.
Ask your healthcare provider about vaginal boric acid.
Tampons and pads should be changed at least every four to six hours.
Like other mucus membranes, your vagina needs to breathe.
Covering it with fabrics that can trap moisturelike nyloncan create a place for bacteria to grow.
Anal sex is more likely to spread bacteria, and even unwashed sex toys can pose a problem.
Speak to your healthcare provider to determine whether these home remedies are safe options for you.
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection because of a variety of bacteria.
This infection can develop after sexual contact or from certain hygiene practices like douching.
Antibiotics can treat these infections but recurrence is not uncommon.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t go away or if they return after treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Clearing up a bacterial vaginosis infection can be tricky.
The first course of antibiotics isn’t always enough to cure this infection.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t clear up.
The answer may be a combination of additional medication, lifestyle changes, and new hygiene practices.
Talk to your healthcare provider about steps it’s possible for you to take to prevent vaginal infections.
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics, but it can be difficult to clear up completely.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t clear up entirely after treatment.
Using condoms is the best way to prevent BV and sexually transmitted infections.
Planned Parenthood.How do I prevent vaginitis?
Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
Zeron MM, Trouton KM.BASIC study: Is intravaginal boric acid non-inferior to metronidazole in symptomatic bacterial vaginosis?
Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Trials.
July 2015;16:315. doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0852-5
