Lifestyle changes are helpful for some women. When they are not helpful, regular antibiotics can help. Try these: avoid killing off the good bacteria in your vagina. The normal bacteria produces hydrogen peroxide, which maintains the normal bacterial colonies in the vagina and keeps the pH in the normal Range. Avoid wet wipes -- just use unscented toilet paper, not baby wipes or other "alternate" baby wipe-type products after using the toilet. If you feel like you have to use something wet, make it plain water with or without mild, unscented soap. Use menstrual supplies that don't contain fragrance or baking soda. Don't douche or use other "feminine hygiene products" (you won't find female OBGYNs who use these products). Don't use deodorant soap, liquid soap, or antibacterial soap in the vaginal area. Go ahead and use these elsewhere if you like, but use a mild, unscented soap on the vulva (something like Dove, Ivory, or Cetaphil). If you're using a lubricant during sex, try changing to one without extra chemicals like antibacterial ingredients, "warming" or "tingling" ingredients, or flavors or scents. Astroglide is one brand that is very benign.Avoid putting the "bad" bacteria from the rectal area into the vaginal area. Use thong underwear only for the pants that really need it; wear non-thongs on other days. If you have any kind of anal sex plan with a finger, sex toy, or penis, make sure it's washed will before it goes in your vagina.Bacterial vaginosis isn't spread by sex, but changes in vaginal pH can make it harder to recover. Use condoms or withdrawal to avoid increasing the vaginal pH with semen.These changes may represent a real hassle for you. Try making them all at once, and then add back and see what makes a difference.