When should I be worried about BV?

You should call a doctor if you have: fevers, chills, or severe pain along with unusual vaginal discharge and odor. a new partner(s) and are worried you may have a sexually transmitted infection. an unusual vaginal discharge and are pregnant.

When is BV serious?

The condition is not usually serious, but you'll need to be treated with antibiotics if you do have it. It's also important to seek treatment if you're pregnant as there's a small chance it can cause complications with pregnancy.

Should I be worried if I have BV?

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.

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.

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

How come my BV won't 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.

Can you permanently have BV?

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.

Can BV Be Fatal?

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.

How do I know if its BV or something else?

Here's how you can tell the difference: Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn't usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese. Vaginal irritation: Typically, BV doesn't cause vaginal irritation or itchiness.

Why am I getting BV all the time?

Causes. Although the exact cause of BV isn't clear, experts believe that sex is a contributing factor. Unprotected sex, sex with a new partner, and sex with multiple partners may alter the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Other practices, such as douching, may also increase your risk of BV.

How long can bacterial vaginosis last?

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.

How do you live with BV?

Can I treat BV without antibiotics?

The primary treatment course for BV is antibiotics. However, some people may wish to treat the condition at home. Options for home treatments include practicing safe hygiene, using barrier protection during intercourse, and taking probiotic supplements. BV is a common condition and typically is not cause for concern.

What happens if metronidazole doesn't work for BV?

BV that does not resolve after one course of treatment may be cured by a second course with the same agent. Another option is to switch to another agent (ie, metronidazole to clindamycin, or clindamycin to metronidazole) as other concomitant organisms may respond better to an alternate medication.

How does a doctor confirm BV?

Take a sample of vaginal secretions.

This may be done to check for an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in your vaginal flora. Your doctor may examine the vaginal secretions under a microscope, looking for "clue cells," vaginal cells covered with bacteria that are a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

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.

Can you have BV for months?

For people who initially improve after initial BV treatment, approximately 1 in 3 will have a recurrence of BV symptoms within three months, and more than half will have a recurrence of symptoms within 12 months. Symptoms may return because of a new infection or relapse (return) of the prior infection.

How long until BV goes away 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.

How do I get my pH balance back on track?

How do I get rid of BV for life?

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 probiotic is good 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.

How do you cure recurring 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.

Can BV be hard to get rid of?

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.

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.

Can you use Monistat for BV?

Can I use Monistat for BV? Monistat is a medication used to treat yeast infections. BV is an overgrowth of bacteria, so it is treated differently. Taking Monistat may worsen your BV.