How is bv caused

Some other home remedies have been suggested, but, since BV can lead to serious complications, anyone with symptoms should see a doctor. There is no certain way to prevent BV, as the exact causes remain unclear.

However, some tips can help prevent it. Diet, health status, and many other factors can affect the natural odor of the vagina. Different odors suggest different issues. In this article…. One test for vaginitis is called a wet mount. Vaginitis is a term for several issues that involve infection or inflammation of the vagina or vulva. Vaginal swelling can occur for a range of different reasons. This article examines 14 reasons why a person may experience vaginal swelling, including….

Vaginal discharge often changes colors, depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. Some colors indicate that the area is healthy, while others can….

What is bacterial vaginosis? Symptoms Causes Treatment Diagnosis Home remedies Prevention tips Bacterial vaginosis, also known as vaginal bacteriosis, is the most common cause of vaginal infection for women of childbearing age. Share on Pinterest An imbalance in vaginal bacteria can lead to bacterial vaginosis. Share on Pinterest Oral antibiotics are normally effective against BV. Home remedies. Prevention tips. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What is the wet mount procedure? Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. What can cause vaginal swelling? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. What can happen if BV is not treated? Having BV can raise your risk of getting HIV , genital herpes , chlamydia , pelvic inflammatory disease , and gonorrhea.

Pregnancy problems. What should I do if I have BV? BV is easy to treat. If you think you have BV: See a doctor or nurse. Antibiotics will treat BV. Take all of your medicine. Even if symptoms go away, you need to finish all of the antibiotic. Tell your sex partner s if she is female so she can be treated. Avoid sexual contact until you finish your treatment. See your doctor or nurse again if you have symptoms that don't go away within a few days after finishing the antibiotic. Is it safe to treat pregnant women who have BV?

How can I lower my risk of BV? Researchers do not know exactly how BV spreads. Steps that might lower your risk of BV include: Keeping your vaginal bacteria balanced.

Use warm water only to clean the outside of your vagina. You do not need to use soap. Even mild soap can cause irritate your vagina. Always wipe front to back from your vagina to your anus. Keep the area cool by wearing cotton or cotton-lined underpants. Not douching. Douching upsets the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina.

This may raise your risk of BV. It may also make it easier to get BV again after treatment. Doctors do not recommend douching. Not having sex. You can get BV without having sex, but BV is more common in women who have sex.

Limiting your number of sex partners. Researchers think that your risk of getting BV goes up with the number of partners you have. How can I protect myself if I am a female and my female partner has BV? If your partner has BV, you might be able to lower your risk by using protection during sex.

Use a dental dam every time you have sex. A dental dam is a thin piece of latex that is placed over the vagina before oral sex. Cover sex toys with condoms before use. Remove the condom and replace it with a new one before sharing the toy with your partner.

Did we answer your question about BV? Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis. Klebanoff, M. It can cause asthma symptoms. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Reproductive system - female. Home Reproductive system - female. Bacterial vaginosis. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis BV is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis may occur at the same time as sexually transmissible infections STIs.

How BV is spread Although it is not clear how BV is transmitted, it is more common in women who are sexually active. Diagnosis of BV Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and lab tests. During a medical examination, your doctor may notice: copious vaginal discharge odour from the vagina decreased acidity of the vaginal fluid on pH testing. Treatment for BV If you have no symptoms, treatment is usually not required as this condition is self-limiting will go away by itself.

Seek treatment if: you are about to have a medical procedure that could allow bacteria into the uterus — for example, insertion of an IUD, or termination of pregnancy you are pregnant — BV can cause early onset of labour.