Bacterial Vaginosis

Yes, it is possible to have bacterial vaginosis (BV) even if you're a virgin. BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, and it can occur regardless of sexual activity. Factors such as hormonal changes, poor hygiene, or the use of certain products can contribute to the development of BV.

Tubal ligation will not cause bacterial vaginosis. However, stopping the use of condoms, as some women may do after sterilization, can increase the likelihood of BV. That's not because you "catch" it from sex, but because exposure to semen can make it more likely to happen by changing the vaginal pH.

Changes in lifestyle can be helpful in reducing the risk of recurrence. These include avoiding perfumed vaginal products, using mild soap (not deodorant or antibacterial) in the vaginal area, avoiding douching, using condoms, wearing thong underwear only occasionally rather than daily, and making sure that if you have any anal sex play, you wash the finger, sex toy, or penis before it goes into your vagina.

Yes, you can and should treat trichomoniasis when you're pregnant; however, if your are near delivery, it may be safer to delay treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused when the good protective bacteria in the vagina die off, and the "bad" bacteria take over. These bacteria are typically anaerobes that are normally found in the rectal area.

The treatments for BV could be various, and with the advanced medical technology there are more and more effective treatments for BV. Except antibiotics, herbal therapy has been proven effective by recent clinic cases. Like herbal medicine FUYAN PILL, which is made from natural herbs, has good effects on curing BV.

Doxycycline does not cure bacterial vaginosis. It's more likely to make it worse. See your heath care provider for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant after having bacterial vaginosis. However, it is important to treat the infection properly to reduce any potential risks during pregnancy and to promote reproductive health. Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment and guidance.

Yes, bacterial vaginosis can be treated and cured with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure effective treatment and to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Yes it can and happens to a lot of women such as myself. I can go my entire life without getting the infection but once my husband ejaculates in me I find that days or works later I have the infection.

Bacterial vaginosis isn't an infection in the true sense of the word; it's when there is an imbalance of the normal bacteria that should be found in the vagina, and an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally found in low numbers. Your partner can't "catch" it. There is no evidence that treating a partner prevents recurrence in the patient.

A milky discharge that smells like fish is the classic sign of bacterial vaginosis. Some women may also experience cramping or pain with sex. See your health care provider if you're having discharge and pain, as you need an exam.

If you have bacterial vaginosis, finish your medication and consider using condoms if you have sex. It's not spread by sex, but the pH change from exposure to semen can increase the risk of needing more medication.

To avoid bacterial vaginosis in the future, avoid killing off the good bacteria in the vagina: don't douche, don't use scented vaginal products, and use a mild, unscented soap in the genital area (not antibacterial or deodorant soap). In addition, take steps to reduce the risk of introducing the wrong kind of bacteria into the vagina: use thong underwear only occasionally rather than daily, and wash the sex toy/penis/finger before going from anal sex play to vaginal sex play.

There are prescription treatments for bacterial vaginosis. If you want to treat on your own, try these lifestyle changes to see if your body will find its own balance again:

Aoid 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.

Yes, bacterial vaginosis can clear up on its own. If you are pregnant, planning a surgery or procedure in the vagina, or are having pain or abnormal bleeding, seek treatment sooner.

Trimethoprim will not treat bacterial vaginosis, although it may help in some cases of cystitis. Resistance levels of bacteria that cause cystitis vary widely by location. Talk with your health care provider to find the right treatment for your problems.

Getting an IUD removed is not likely to reduce the incidence of bacterial vaginosis. Some women notice an increased problem with BV when changing to the IUD because they have stopped using condoms. You might consider trying to use them, at least temporarily.

Changes in lifestyle can be helpful in reducing the risk of recurrence. These include avoiding perfumed vaginal products, using mild soap (not deodorant or antibacterial) in the vaginal area, avoiding douching, using condoms, wearing thong underwear only occasionally rather than daily, and making sure that if you have any anal sex play, you wash the finger, sex toy, or penis before it goes into your vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sign of pregnancy. Signs of pregnancy are a missed period and a positive pregnancy test.

BV does not cause bites or a rash. Sometimes BV is associated with trichomoniasis. If you have a rash in the vulvar area, contact your health care provider to find out if you were screened for trich when you were diagnosed with BV. Trich is harder to diagnose and is often missed in women with BV, particularly if they were diagnosed without the health care provider looking under the microscope at the vaginal discharge.

My guess is "NO" doesn't sound safe.....