Is it OK not to treat BV?

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.

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.

Should BV always be treated?

You should get treated for the infection whether or not you have symptoms. BV can cause pregnancy complications, such as premature birth or having a baby that weighs less than average (low birth weight).

Can untreated BV harm you?

If left untreated

Bacterial vaginosis may cause infections in the cervix, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes, which is called pelvic inflammatory disease. This can lead to infertility (so you can't have a baby).

What does untreated BV feel like?

Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching. Burning during urination.

Doctor explains HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)

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.

Why am I getting BV all the time?

If you and your sexual partner have intercourse without condoms or you have multiple sexual partners, you may be at a higher risk of developing this infection. Persistent and recurrent BV is common, so you should complete any prescribed medications that are offered to you.

Can you have BV for life?

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.

Can you 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.

How long does BV take to heal on its own?

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.

What kills the bacteria in BV?

The antibiotics clindamycin and metronidazole are both effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis.

Why do I get BV every time I sleep with my boyfriend?

Not using condoms or having new or multiple sex partners can sometimes increase a person's risk for developing BV. "Sex sometimes leads to BV if your partner's natural genital 'chemistry' changes the balance of bacteria in your vagina and causes the bacteria associated with BV to grow,” Dean explains.

Does cranberry juice help with BV?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms. Complete prevention of BV is not possible, however, there are a number of factors to be considered when attempting to reduce the risk of BV.

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 does mild BV look like?

The main symptom of BV is lots of thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. The discharge may be white, dull gray, greenish, and/or foamy. The fishy smell is often more noticeable after vaginal sex.

How do I know my BV is gone?

If you are pregnant, it is suggested that you do have a test one month after treatment to ensure that BV is no longer present. A sample (a swab) of the discharge in your vagina is taken. This is tested to check you no longer have BV.

Can fingers cause BV?

BV can be spread through sharing of sex toys, oral-genital contact, and fingers. Other risk factors for BV include douching and cigarette smoking.

Which probiotic is best for BV?

Which probiotics are best for BV? Lactobacilli-based probiotics such as Lacticasebacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus reuteri are best for treating BV.

Why does BV take so long to go away?

Within a month, antibiotics clear up to 85% of bacterial vaginosis cases, yet for over half of these patients, BV will return within 6 months. 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.

How do you treat recurrent BV naturally?

How often is too often to have BV?

It's common for bacterial vaginosis to come back, usually within a few months. If it comes back, you'll usually be given more antibiotics to treat it. If you keep getting it (you get it more than 4 times in a year), you may be given an antibiotic gel that you put in your vagina.