Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) happens because the vaginal microbiome struggles to stabilize, often due to factors like sexual activity (partners, condom use), douching, smoking, IUDs, or an insufficient amount of protective "good" bacteria, sometimes leading to treatment resistance or reinfection, with some individuals naturally more prone to imbalance, necessitating a doctor's help for long-term management.
It's important to get a well-woman exam at least once a year, since you may not detect it without one. Long term, BV increases the risk of: Contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) Developing pelvic inflammatory disease, when bacteria spread from the vagina to the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
Researchers aren't sure why, but recurrent BV is very common. Half of all people with BV will get it again within one year, even if the original infection clears up. Sometimes, BV can even become chronic. If BV recurs, your provider may need to put you on a long-term course of antibiotics.
Treatment consists of the systemic administration of either metronidazole or vaginal clindamycin cream. Some studies have indicated that systemic antibiotic treatment of BV after the 1st trimester of pregnancy can reduce the number of preterm births in high risk groups (e.g. previous history of preterm birth).
Even if symptoms temporarily improve, bacterial vaginosis can linger and resurface later. Without treatment, the infection might last for weeks or even months, making you uncomfortable and potentially leading to more serious health risks.
BV also is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious disease that can harm a woman's reproductive organs and cause infertility. Having BV increases a woman's risk of preterm labor and preterm birth. Women who have it also are more likely to get an infection after having surgery such as a hysterectomy.
Some drinks that may improve vaginal health include cranberry juice, kefir, drinkable yogurt, coconut water, green tea, orange juice, and mango smoothies. If you have any new or uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, let your healthcare provider know so they can recommend treatment.
If you have BV during pregnancy, your baby is at increased risk for preterm birth and low birthweight. Preterm birth is birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Low birthweight is when your baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Being born too early or too small can cause health problems for your baby.
How Is Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis Treated?
Foods High In Fiber For Bacterial Vaginosis
BV is a common infection, especially among pregnant women. The cause of BV is not fully understood; it is not caused by poor hygiene. The women affected by BV may not show any signs or symptoms. Frequent washing (especially with deodorant soap) may result in disrupting the vaginal balance.
MRSA is one of the most common antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Symptoms of MRSA infection often begin as small red bumps on the skin that can progress to deep, painful abscesses or boils, which are pus-filled masses under the skin.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Thin, vaginal discharge that may be gray, white or green. Foul-smelling, "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching.
Some studies show the association of bacterial vaginal infection with cervical cancer [14] and other studies show no association at all [15]. However, the possibility still exist that BV is in some way associated with the development of CIN, as a cofactor to human papillomaviruses (HPV).
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.
With bacterial vaginosis, bacteria growth can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including a change in vaginal discharge or odor — often described as being white or gray in color and having a fish-like odor. Some women will experience inflammation and itching. However, itching is uncommon.
Bacterial vaginosis doesn't typically cause serious complications. But if left untreated it could lead to: Complications during pregnancy: If you're pregnant and have BV, it may lead to premature birth. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): BV increases your risk for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medicines:
How can a person treat BV at home ASAP? Taking probiotics, garlic supplements, or vaginal suppositories containing boric acid are ways a person may be able to treat bacterial vaginosis at home. However, more research is needed on the effectiveness of these remedies.
BV is a relatively mild condition, but, left untreated, it can cause serious reproductive health problems. Untreated BV can increase the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, cause pelvic infection or inflammation, and lead to pregnancy complications, such miscarriage or premature labor.
Bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometritis are infections of the genital tract that can lead to many adverse health outcomes, including infertility.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance where harmful bacteria in the vagina overgrow, replacing the normal, protective Lactobacillus bacteria, leading to a shift in vaginal pH. Factors like douching, new or multiple sexual partners, using scented soaps, smoking, and even IUDs can disrupt this balance, increasing risk, though it's not considered a classic STI, it's linked to sexual activity.
We recommend vitamin D therapy for the prevention or management of BV among deficient women.
This is thought to be in part because the antibiotics don't fully eradicate the pathogenic microbes, leaving BV-associated bacteria to regrow in the vagina following treatment.
While stress in itself cannot 'cause' BV, studies show that prolonged mental stress of any form, be it anxiety leading to BV, depression, and vaginosis, or stress-related BV, can indeed affect the body's immune response, making a woman more susceptible to infections.