Can other people smell BV?

Can other people smell it too?" Dr. Kate, a gynecologist, answers: "No, all vaginas don't smell, or taste, the same...but they do all smell. Every woman has a different musky scent, and we tend to be very attuned to our own smell, even when no one else is aware of it.
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Is BV smell obvious?

Often there are no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Some women may notice a change in the normal secretions from the vagina. This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods.
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What kind of smell is BV?

Check if you have bacterial vaginosis

The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. You may notice a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
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Can other people smell my discharge?

Can other people smell it too?" Dr. Kate, a gynecologist, answers: "No, all vaginas don't smell, or taste, the same...but they do all smell. Every woman has a different musky scent, and we tend to be very attuned to our own smell, even when no one else is aware of it.
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How do you tell your partner they smell down there?

“Then rather than having to say something negative, you can make a positive statement such as 'I love it when you smell so clean. ' Of course your partner might not take the hint, but it's worth a try, especially as the entire experience might prove very arousing to both of you.”
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How To Get RID Of Vag Odor, Yeast Infections



Can I leave BV untreated?

Sometimes BV will go away without treatment, but not treating the infection can involve serious health risks. Untreated BV can increase a woman's risk of getting sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
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Can you get BV in your mouth?

The study in PLoS Biology showed how a common type of bacteria found in the mouth that is linked with gum disease and dental plaque may support BV. They did experiments in human vaginal specimens and in mice to look at bacterial behaviour.
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Why do I keep getting BV with the same partner?

If you're in a long-term relationship with the same partner you may be on the pill or not using barrier contraceptives – so sex is very likely to trigger your BV. Don't be tempted to use intimate washes, perfumes or sprays to mask the symptoms as these can affect your balance as well and actually make things worse.
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Should I tell my boyfriend I have BV?

When should I tell my partner? Male partners don't need to be treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV). If you have a female partner, she may have BV too. It's important to let her know so she can get treatment.
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Should my boyfriend be treated for BV?

Male sex partners of women with BV do not need treatment. However, BV can spread between female sex partners.
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Why do I get BV every month?

BV is very common and results from a change in the bacterial flora in the vagina. It is sometimes hard to treat, as 30% of women who get better after treatment will get BV again within three months, and more than 50% of women will have BV again within 12 months.
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Can you get BV from fingers?

BV is now thought to be a sexually transmitted infection, although most recurrences are not sexually related. BV can be transmitted by sex toys, oral-genital contact, and fingers. To reduce the risk of transmission, sex toys should be used with condoms, when possible, and cleaned after every use.
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Can BV be caused by stress?

Stress enhances the progression of infection (including BV) and its pathophysiologic consequences (72, 73). Perceived psychosocial stress is significantly and independently related to incidence and prevalence of BV in pregnant (74) and non-pregnant women (20).
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How long does it take for BV odor to go away?

While the infection 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.
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Does your period clean out bacteria?

Contrary to that belief, the blood you menstruate is just as “clean” as the venous blood that comes from every other part of the body and it's harmless as long as you don't have any bloodborne diseases (pathogens aren't picky when it comes to manifesting in bodily fluids).
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What happens when you have BV for a long time?

Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.
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What foods to avoid when you have BV?

"Foods that are processed, such as packaged sweets, popcorn, smoked meats, dairy, and dried fruits, can affect your immune system, and if your immune system is oppressed by your nutrition, this can cause bacteria to populate the area, causing itching, infections, including bacterial vaginosis," says Dr. Posina.
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What soap is good for BV?

Conclusion: A lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap for external intimate hygiene may be an option for the prevention of BV recurrence after treatment and cure with oral metronidazole.
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Why wont my BV go away?

Around a third of women who take antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) find that the problem recurs within the next two to three months. Some strains of BV organisms may have resistance to some antibiotics. You should return to your healthcare provider and describe the problems you are having.
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What is the best probiotic for BV?

Which probiotics are best for BV?
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. ®
  • Lactobacillus paracasei F-19. ®
  • Lactobacillus brevis CD2®, Lactobacillus salivarius FV2®, and Lactobacillus plantarum FV9. ®
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001.
  • Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05.
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Can BV be detected in urine?

In some studies, vaginal swabs are not collected, and first-void urine (FVU) may be the only material from which BV can be diagnosed. In most settings, pregnant women are traditionally screened for glucose and leukocytes in urine, and thus urine would be easy to collect for BV studies.
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How do you stop chronic BV?

However, taking the following steps may help reduce your risk of recurring BV infections.
  1. Pay attention to vaginal hygiene. ...
  2. Wear breathable underwear. ...
  3. Ask about boric acid suppositories. ...
  4. Use condoms. ...
  5. Maintain a healthy vaginal pH. ...
  6. Take a probiotic. ...
  7. Find healthy ways to destress.
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Can probiotics make BV worse?

Conclusions: Although the results of different studies are controversial, most studies have been in favor of the probiotics in the prevention or treatment of BV, and no adverse effects have been reported.
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How do you stop BV from smelling?

Hydrogen peroxide. Two small studies suggest using hydrogen peroxide as a vaginal wash may help clear up vaginal odor, improve discharge, and restore vaginal pH in patients with BV.
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What can BV be mistaken for?

Often, BV can be mistaken for other conditions, such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia. Often, BV (or STDs) do not have any symptoms at all, so it's imperative always to make a yearly gynecological appointment.
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