How serious can BV get?

Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes cause PID, an infection of the uterus and the fallopian tubes that can increase the risk of infertility.

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.

Can BV be life threatening?

Some women suffer from recurring BV, which is not life threatening but can be annoying and have an impact on daily comfort and living. Here are some additional tips on how to regulate and prevent BV.

What serious problems can BV cause?

If BV is untreated, possible problems may include: Higher risk of getting STIs, including HIV. Having BV can raise your risk of getting HIV, genital herpes, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and gonorrhea. Women with HIV who get BV are also more likely to pass HIV to a male sexual partner.

What does a severe case of BV look like?

A thin white or gray vaginal discharge; Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex; Burning when peeing; and.

Bacterial vaginosis, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, DIagnosis and Treatment.

Should I be worried about BV?

Most of the time, BV goes away without any problems when properly treated. BV that's not treated can increase a girl's chances of having health problems such as: STDs like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV. problems during pregnancy, like giving birth too early or having a baby that is too small.

Is BV a permanent thing?

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. Bacterial vaginosis is one type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.

How can I prevent BV permanently?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection, and there's no way to completely stop all infections. Still, you may be able to lower your risk of developing BV with good hygiene and taking care of your overall health. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any of the symptoms of BV.

What is the root cause of BV?

BV is often caused by gardnerella vaginalis, the most common type of bacteria in your vagina. Anything that changes the chemistry of your vagina's pH balance can mess with bacteria levels and lead to infection — like douching or using vaginal deodorants and other irritating products.

Can BV be completely cured?

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.

How long does BV last if untreated?

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.

How long can a person have BV?

Once you start treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually go away within two to three days. While in some cases it can resolve on its own without treatment, it can take longer to clear up and it can come back.

What happens if my BV won't go away?

If you have persistent BV (ie it does not settle down with the first treatment you try) then your doctor may want to take further vaginal swabs to check whether there is another cause of the discharge. They will usually suggest that you use the seven-day course of metronidazole if you have not had this before.

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.

Can BV make you feel unwell?

BV is readily treated and usually doesn't cause any other health problems. With that said, it can increase the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or lead to birth complications in people who are pregnant.

Does stress cause BV?

Any change in your immune health—like stress—can impact your vaginal pH level, making a yeast infection and/or bacterial vaginosis more common.

What is long term treatment for BV?

Recommended treatment for recurrent BV consists of an extended course of metronidazole treatment (500 mg twice daily for 10-14 days); if ineffective, metronidazole vaginal gel 0.75% for 10 days, followed by two times per week for 3-6 months, is an alternate treatment regimen.

What is best BV treatment?

Metronidazole — Metronidazole, taken over multiple days, is one of the most effective treatments for BV. Metronidazole is available as an oral pill or vaginal gel; the choice of pill or gel is based on the person's preferences. The oral pill is taken twice daily for seven days.

Is it possible to have BV for months?

Some women suffer from chronic (recurring) bacterial vaginosis. Medicine can clear up the infection, but it returns again after a few weeks. Some women report that bacterial vaginosis returns after their period each month. Or it can return after they have sex.

What is the healing process for BV?

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. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

Can BV spread to other parts of the body?

The bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis normally reside in the vagina. They cause symptoms and spread to other organs only if they increase in number (overgrow).

What does BV discharge look like?

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor.

Is BV caused by poor hygiene?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by the overgrowth of the natural vaginal bacteria. BV is a common infection, especially among pregnant women. The cause of BV is not fully understood; it is not caused by poor hygiene.