Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by a change in the pH of your vagina. Your vagina wants to be a particular environment all the time to maintain its normal state. If that changes, bacterial vaginosis will occur.
BV causes a grey discharge with a foul fishy odor. It can cause some irritation to the vagina and lower abdominal cramping for some patients.
Causes of BV
BV is caused by anything that changes the pH of the vagina. This can be scented soaps, douching, soaking in a bath or pool, the act of having sex, semen, condoms, or anything that comes in contact with the vagina that is not part of the body.
The pH of the vagina then changes and there is an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the vagina.
Treatment
BV is treated with an antibiotic twice a day for a week. Patients can also use boric acid suppositories as needed to treat BV. This is not something to use daily though, as that can cause issues for the vagina.
Prevention
Prevention of BV includes using plain, unscented soaps and avoiding other triggers of BV.
Sometimes people get BV after their period because the blood changes the pH of the vagina, or every time they have sex. This is a great time to use boric acid suppositories instead of antibiotics. Boric acid can be used immediately after sex or for 2–3 days after a period to maintain the normal pH of the vagina.
Recurrent BV
Some patients have BV often. It is important to keep a diary of the symptoms to find out what is triggering the BV.
There is emerging evidence that for people who have recurrent BV, it may be important to treat the patient’s partner as well. Sometimes people with a penis may carry the bacteria that is causing BV for their partner. Treating the partner may help reduce recurrence for some patients. This is an area of ongoing research.
BV Treatment in Greensboro and Across North Carolina
Haven Health provides evaluation and treatment for bacterial vaginosis in Greensboro, North Carolina and by telehealth across the state.
Many patients mistake BV for a yeast infection and use the wrong treatment, which can make symptoms worse. Haven Health helps identify the true cause of vaginal odor, discharge, and irritation so you can receive the correct care quickly.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities trust Haven Health for compassionate vaginal and reproductive care.
If you live anywhere in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or anywhere in NC, you can meet with a provider virtually and have lab testing completed at a lab near you if needed.
Haven Health offers stigma-free, evidence-based care both in person and online across North Carolina.