Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a clinical condition in women of sexually active age. It affects the vagina and causes symptoms that resemble any other yeast infection but with high intensity. In many cases, BV OTC medicine helps to attain relief from BV.

Unfortunately, the BV can be a recurrent condition. Studies indicate that as many as 50% of women who suffered from BV experienced its recurrence within one year. This can seem daunting. However, with certain precautions and lifestyle changes, it is easy to prevent the recurrence of BV.

As we move on in this post, we will understand why BV occurs, what might contribute to its recurrence and how to gain relief from it.

Understanding BV

The health of the vagina in women depends on its microbial balance. When healthy bacteria are more than the unhealthy ones, the vagina stays healthy and nurtured. On the contrary, the increase of harmful bacteria can invite the risks of infections such as BV.

BV Triggers

The vaginal bacterial balance can be disturbed due to certain practices that include:

Sex with multiple partners: The vaginal pH is sensitive to semen. Sex with multiple partners can disturb the vaginal pH, ultimately leading to the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

Douching: One of the commonly observed reasons for vaginal floral disturbance is douching. It changes the pH level at that part and creates an unhealthy environment where harmful bacteria thrive.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, multiple hormonal changes occur in a female body. These hormones can cause an imbalance in the vaginal secretions leading to BV.

General treatments for BV

BV is an easily diagnosable condition. It shows symptoms such as discharge with a foul smell, irritation while urinating, and itching around the vaginal part.

The primary reason for BV is the reduction in the healthy lactobacillus bacteria. Doctors complement this through medication rich in lactobacillus in various forms – pills, gel, and vaginal insertion capsules.

Medication such as BV OTC Medicine also helps treat BV. However, boric acid supplements should never be taken orally and should not be used by pregnant women.

Why does BV keep recurring?

Generally, there are no exact reasons revealed behind BV recurrence. However, the following might contribute to the recurrence of BV:

Not using BV medicine for the whole dose: Most women stop taking BV medication after 2-3 days of usage when the symptoms seem to be declining. However, doctors advise that they have to continue the medicines for the full term as prescribed to treat the infection completely. Otherwise, the chances of recurrence are high.

Having unsafe sex: The risk of recurrence of BV is high when participating in unsafe sex with multiple partners. Oral sex and sex with infected partners can invite BV again and again.

Unhygienic periods: During periods, it is essential to change napkins every once in a while to prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Otherwise, it invites an environment where harmful bacteria flourishes.

Usage of chemicals around vaginal part: vaginal deodorants and cleaning agents disturb the bacterial balance around the vagina. This can cause irritation, itching, and several vaginal infections, including BV.

Lifestyle triggers: Severe stress can lead to hormonal changes that could affect vaginal secretions. It can also reflect the change in bacteria around the vagina.

Tight underwear that restricts airflow: Synthetic underwear can restrict airflow and trap harmful bacteria.

How to prevent BV recurrence?

With the knowledge of why BV occurs, it now becomes easy to comprehend how to prevent BV and its recurrence. Here are simple measures to implement to prevent BV from recurring:

• Limit the number of sex partners.

• Use plain water and no harsh chemicals to clean the around the vagina after urinating, excretion, and sex.

• Wear soft and breathable underwear for the area around the vagina to receive air circulation naturally.

• Use the dosage for the BV treatment fully as prescribed by the doctor.

• If you are a female and your female sex partner is suffering from BV, you need to be treated for the same.

• Over-the-counter medication helps to attain relief from BV. However, it is always best to consult a doctor for a personalized medical diagnosis.

Conclusion

BV is treatable and preventable. However, it is also a recurring condition. Implement the measures prescribed above to prevent BV and change your lifestyle to a healthy one.