Does BV ever go away?

Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. But in some women it doesn't go away on its own. And for many women it comes back after it has cleared up. Antibiotic treatment works for some women but not others.
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Can BV be cured permanently?

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.
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What happens if you have BV for too long?

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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How long does it take for a BV 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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Is it possible for BV to go away on its own?

In one-third of cases, bacterial vaginosis (BV) resolves on its own without any medications. However, if you have symptoms, you should seek medical care. Having BV makes you prone to sexually transmitted infections and can affect pregnancy.
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How Do I Get Rid of Bacterial Vaginosis? | This Morning



Why does my BV keep coming back?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if: you're sexually active (but women who have not had sex can also get BV) you have had a change of partner.
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Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?

BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV. We also do not know how sex causes BV.
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Why won't my BV go away with antibiotics?

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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How long BV last without treatment?

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that may cause a fishy-smelling discharge. It's usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it's a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.
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How do you treat chronic BV?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common but treatable condition, with a number of effective available treatments, including oral and intravaginal metronidazole and clindamycin and oral tinidazole. However, as many as 50% of women with BV experience recurrence within 1 year of treatment for incident disease.
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How do I get rid of BV once and for all?

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 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 do I get rid of BV that won't go away?

This can be frustrating. Bacterial vaginosis makes the reproductive tract vulnerable to infection or inflammation. So your doctor will test and treat you with antibiotics if you are: Having symptoms that won't go away.
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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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How do I fix my pH balance?

To keep the pH of your vagina at a consistently healthy level, follow these tips:
  1. Whenever you have sex, use a condom. The barrier will not only protect you from STDs, but it'll also prevent alkaline semen from disrupting your vaginal pH levels. ...
  2. Take probiotics. ...
  3. Don't douche. ...
  4. Eat yogurt. ...
  5. See your OB-GYN.
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What foods throw off your pH balance?

Smelly foods: When eaten in excess, foods like garlic, asparagus, onions, and broccoli may make you taste or smell a bit funky as they can throw your pH balance out of whack.
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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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Can you have BV for years?

Recurrent bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the vaginal bacteria normally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition and treatment is available; however, in some women the condition may recur or even become chronic, requiring multiple and sometimes long-term treatments.
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Why does my partner throw off my pH balance?

Unprotected penetrative sex with a man changes the pH of your vagina because semen has a pH of between 7.1 and 8. During sex, the pH of your vagina rises in order to create a more alkaline environment to protect the sperm and encourage fertilization. This can also encourage the growth of certain bacteria.
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Is cranberry juice Good for BV?

You have already heard that drinking cranberry juice can prevent or ease urinary tract infections. Well, it also wards off vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis. Just make sure you stay away from the sugar-loaded cranberry juice varieties, which can actually make things worse down there.
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Does cranberry juice help pH balance?

Compounds in cranberries could balance the vagina's pH level, and its acidic property helps fight bacteria that cause infections.
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Does pineapple help your pH balance?

Although, apparently the pineapple rumor may have some truth to it, as a person's diet has an effect on any body fluid, vaginal or otherwise, altering natural pH balance and smell of bodily secretions. However, drinking or eating pineapple right before sexual relations will not alter the scent.
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Can Drinking Water restore pH balance?

Restores Ph balance in the body – Alkaline water carries a higher amount of Ph levels than regular bottled water which contributes to reducing the acidity levels in your body.
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What can you drink to get your pH balance back to normal?

A vagina's pH level helps keep it slightly acidic and healthy. The normal flora or healthy bacteria in the vagina thrive when the pH level is balanced.
...
Lactobacilli
  • Yogurt.
  • Pickles.
  • Kombucha (fermented tea)
  • Kefir (fermented dairy drink)
  • Buttermilk.
  • Sourdough bread.
  • Fermented sauerkraut.
  • Miso soup.
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What vitamins help prevent BV?

To help with BV prevention, 250 mg vitamin C should be used once daily vaginally for six days after your period. While silicone-coated vitamin C is not available in the US, enteric-coated vitamin C is available in the US and can be used in the same way.
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