Why do I get BV after my period? BV and periods create an imbalance in the pH level of the vagina. During periods the pH level can go as high as 7.4, which throws off the vaginal environment away. Due to the temporarily elevated pH levels, the vagina is more prone to getting an infection right after the periods go away.
Why does BV get worse with your period?
The PCOS Solution Biofilms, BV, Infections, Microbiology, The vault Why BV gets worse with your period – it’s not just pH One of the reasons that bacterial vaginosiscan flare up after or during your period is due to the change in pH that your menstrual blood inflicts on your vaginal flora.
Why does bacterial vaginosis flare up after your period?
One of the reasons that bacterial vaginosis can flare up after or during your period is due to the change in pH that your menstrual blood inflicts on your vaginal flora. But, this isn’t the only reason – in fact, a more important reason may be the availability of iron that your menstrual blood provides to the bacteria in your vagina.
Why do I get BV after sex?
"Sex sometimes leads to BV if your partner's natural genital 'chemistry' changes the balance of bacteria in your vagina and causes the bacteria associated with BV to grow. If you have BV, your sexual partner (s) with a penis generally does not need treatment for BV.
What causes bacterial vaginosis in women?
Bacterial Vaginosis Causes. It’s not known what causes BV, but it is known that having a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, or douching, can contribute. For some people, having sex with just one person can throw their pH balance off and cause BV, while others can have multiple partners and remain perfectly balanced.
How can I prevent BV after my period?
What can help prevent BV from coming back again?Pay attention to vaginal hygiene. You don't need to do much to keep your vaginal area clean. ... Wear breathable underwear. ... Ask about boric acid suppositories. ... Use condoms. ... Maintain a healthy vaginal pH. ... Take a probiotic. ... Find healthy ways to destress.
Is bacterial vaginosis common after period?
Some women report that bacterial vaginosis returns after their period each month. Or it can return after they have sex. Talk to your doctor if you have chronic bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle changes that can help, like taking probiotics.
Why do I get bacterial infections after every period?
Yeast infections after a period can occur because hormone fluctuations can upset the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. When hormones begin to rise and fall, particularly estrogen, it could kill the bacteria that live in the vagina, which keep yeast in the vagina in check.
What does it mean if you get recurring BV?
Recurring bacterial vaginosis It's common for BV to come back, usually within 3 months. You'll need to take treatment for longer (up to 6 months) if you keep getting BV (you get it more than twice in 6 months). A GP or sexual health clinic will recommend how long you need to treat it.
How can I avoid getting BV?
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. ... Not douching. Douching upsets the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina. ... Not having sex. ... Limiting your number of sex partners.
How do you treat recurrent bacterial vaginosis?
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.
Why do I keep getting BV with the same partner?
If you're in a long-term relationship with the same partner you may be on the pill or not using barrier contraceptives – so sex is very likely to trigger your BV. Don't be tempted to use intimate washes, perfumes or sprays to mask the symptoms as these can affect your balance as well and actually make things worse.
What foods to avoid when you have BV?
Avoid refined sugar, and limit your intake of high glycaemic index fruits such as bananas and citrus fruits. Foods that dehydrate the body, including alcohol and caffeine, and highly processed and “junk” foods, should be avoided.
What probiotic is good for BV?
Studies have shown that several probiotics, including oral Lactobacillus acidophilus, intravaginal L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus GR-1, and L. fermentum RC-14, can increase the number of vaginal lactobacilli and return the vaginal microbiome to normal.
How long does bacterial vaginosis last?
While the infection may go away on its own, most doctors use antibiotics to treat it. You may have been prescribed pills or vaginal cream. With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days.
Can BV go away on its own without antibiotics?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can clear up on its own. However, if you're experiencing any symptoms, contact your doctor to get tested and treated. This is especially true if you're pregnant.
Can I treat BV without antibiotics?
Probiotics, live bacteria found in some foods and supplements, might help restore balance to your vaginal bacteria. Studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic supplements may treat bacterial vaginosis, and is quite safe. Another promising remedy is boric acid, a white powder with antifungal and antiviral properties.
Why do I get a yeast infection after my period?
It's common to get vaginal yeast infections after your period because hormonal fluctuations can affect the environment of your vagina, which can allow yeast to overgrow. If you get recurrent yeast infections, or if your yeast infections aren't going away, it's very important to see a doctor and ask for a lab test.
What causes BV in the vagina?
The cause of BV isn't always known, but as mentioned before, having a new sex partner or multiple sexual partners can cause a disruption in the vagina's pH balance which leads to bacterial vaginosis.
How to prevent BV?
You can help prevent BV by practicing good hygiene, never douching, and always using a condom.
What Is BV?
According to Dean, it's a super common infection — one that's luckily easy to treat.
Is BV common in pregnant women?
"BV is very common in people with vaginas who are of childbearing age, including pregnant people. In fact, it’s the most common vaginal infection for people with vaginas aged 15-44, though people with vaginas of any age can get it," says Dean.
Can probiotics help with BV?
According to Dean, probiotics might help, but there's no strong evidence suggesting they will. The only way I’ve been able to get rid of BV is to take daily probiotics. After about two to three months of consistently doing this, I stopped getting BV for good.
Can BV be mistaken for other conditions?
Sometimes, BV can have no symptoms at all. If you're at all concerned that you have BV, see your doctor ASAP. It's also worth mentioning that BV can be mistaken for other conditions, including vaginitis, vaginal yeast infections, or trichomoniasis.
Can BV cause low birth weight?
Pregnant people who have symptoms of BV should be sure to get treated as soon as possible in order to avoid complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth or delivery of a low birth-weight baby. As far as home remedies are concerned, there aren't any that are proven to be safe and effective.
Who gets recurrent BV?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at some point, roughly 30% of U.S. women between the ages of 14 to 49 will develop bacterial vaginosis. Of these women, an estimated 50% will suffer recurrent or chronic infections within 12 months. Why are some women more prone to getting BV again? Honestly, no one really knows.
Ways to reduce the risk of recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of recurrent BV, learn more about the risk factors that may increase your chances of infection.
Why should I treat my chronic BV?
We get it. Dealing with recurrent BV can be maddening. You treat your BV and are feeling good – only to have the uncomfortable and annoying symptoms return a couple months later. It can seem like a losing battle. But it is important seek treatment for recurrent BV.
Treatment options for recurrent BV
To treat bacterial vaginosis, a medical provider will prescribe either an oral or vaginal suppository antibiotic. Both forms of antibiotic are effective at treating the infection. If you’re age 26 and older, it’s easy to get the online treatment you need to fight your BV infection and feel better fast.
