BV is an infection that occurs in the vagina. But males can carry the bacteria that cause BV. The bacteria can accumulate on the penis or in the urethra of males. This means that people carrying the bacteria can transmit it to females by having sex with them.
Why does my boyfriend keep giving me BV? Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. For some people, exposure to semen can alter the bacteria in your vagina and cause BV. If this applies to you, using a condom can help reduce the risk of recurring BV.
Bacterial vaginosis causes
Several factors can make increase the number of bacteria, including: Sex. Semen impacts the pH level in the vagina, which can contribute to a higher rate of bacteria growth.
Studies have found that women who have an ongoing male sexual partner are twice as likely to experience BV recurrence [3,10] and that inconsistent condom use for penile-vaginal sex is also associated with higher rates of recurrence after treatment [10].
After treatment, you do not need any further tests to ensure that BV has cleared (a test of cure) provided that your symptoms have gone.
Researchers found only the men who reported having vaginal sex carried the bacteria often associated with bacterial vaginosis. They also discovered the bacteria was detectable for at least two months after having vaginal sex.
The treatment group involves taking an oral antibiotic and using a topical antibiotic cream applied twice daily to the penile skin for one week while the female partner is also undergoing treatment for BV.
Yes, BV is usually curable with prescription antibiotics that can help readjust the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Although some over-the-counter vaginal medications are sold, these are not effective for curing BV. Currently, only prescribed antibiotics are effective.
You Can Get a Vaginal Infection or Irritation
Saliva also contains digestive enzymes that break down food. When you introduce these bacteria and enzymes into your vagina, the result can upset your vaginal microbiome and leave you susceptible to developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, Dr. Gersh explained.
Based on our data we assume a 12-week BV recurrence rate in the control group of 40%, and conservatively estimate that treating male partners will reduce the risk of BV recurrence in females by 40%. This effect size is at the lower end of that reported from consistent condom use and circumcision.
Dirty hands mean an open invitation to bacteria and viruses which can wreck the flora of your vagina.
While bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own, most doctors use antibiotics to treat it. You may have been prescribed pills or vaginal cream. With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Once BV is treated with antibiotics, it usually goes away. But sometimes it persists or recurs, often within three months, for reasons that aren't entirely understood. If a person keeps getting BV, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.
Because BV affects the vagina, people with a penis can't get it. However, research suggests that men can play a role in transmitting this infection to their female sexual partners, likely due to bacteria that live on the penis.
Any change in your immune health—like stress—can impact your vaginal pH level, making a yeast infection and/or bacterial vaginosis more common.
Rather than hiding your symptoms and coming up with another excuse why you're not in the mood — or just not feeling well — take this as a chance to be upfront and just say “hey, I have a yeast infection/BV/UTI”. If you feel comfortable — as you should! — don't gloss over the details.
Foods that dehydrate the body, including alcohol and caffeine, and highly processed and “junk” foods, should be avoided. Foods which contain mould such as peanuts, blue cheeses, grapes and mushrooms are also best avoided as they introduce bad bacteria and yeasts into the digestive system.
The mucous membranes in the vagina require fluids to be supported and healthy. Dehydration can make BV worse by allowing bacteria to become concentrated in the vagina. Drink plenty of clean water (at least 8 glasses) every day even if you're not thirsty.