Help I need answers about BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)?

Question

I need help, I keep having a reoccurance of BV. I have taken the oral antibiotics and it goes away for a few months then it comes right back.

I do lead a very stressful life, however i do not have multiple partners.

Please give as much heplful information as possible.

Answer 1

Help! The Infection Keeps Coming Back

Bacterial Vaginosis By Elizabeth Smoots, MD, FAAFP



Jan. 7, 2002 -- There are a few preventive measures you might try to help reduce the frequency of your infections. Though medical science has not discovered why some women suffer from recurrent bacterial vaginosis, we have a few clues.


Affecting as many as a quarter of all U.S. women, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginal infection. Most women with the infection have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may consist of a thin, white or gray vaginal discharge, a fishy or foul-smelling odor, and, sometimes, a sensation of vaginal itching or burning. These symptoms often increase after a menstrual period or sexual intercourse.


Sex can cause symptoms to worsen because it may lead to changes in the amounts of various bacteria that normally live in the vagina. The primary bacteria in a healthy vagina are named Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, substances that acidify the vagina and help keep it healthy. But if an overgrowth occurs of "bad bacteria" -- Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus species, Mycoplasma hominis, and others that are usually present only in small amounts -- then bacterial vaginosis may begin. The harmful bacteria thrive when there is an abnormally alkaline environment in the vagina.


Women at higher risk for bacterial vaginosis include those who have sex starting at an early age and those with multiple sexual partners. Though BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, contracting a urinary tract infection or another sexually transmitted disease -- such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis -- increases a woman's risk. Other factors that may encourage a BV infection are pregnancy, frequent douching, or using an intrauterine device (IUD).


Bacterial vaginosis can be diagnosed from a vaginal sample using tests readily available in most medical offices. Upon diagnosis, oral or vaginal antibiotics may be given to kill off the problematic bacteria. Studies have consistently shown that antibiotic treatment of male partners of women with BV does not improve the cure rate.


The problem remains that -- in some women like yourself -- the infection keeps coming back. In these situations it appears that vaginal bacteria, acidity, or other factors have not returned to normal. For women with recurrent BV infections, two preventive measures may sometimes help. These are: (1) Consuming yogurt containing live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus, when eaten regularly and for extended periods of time, and (2) Using a prescription of metronidazole (Metrogel) vaginal cream twice weekly to suppress bad bacteria, if recommended by your personal physician.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

NO. Actually douche can cause bacterial vaginosis if you use it to much. I looked up cures and it seems that a prescribed medicine is the only way to properly cure BV.

Answer 4

Honey, talk to your doctor...they will have the best info...more accurate than anyone could give you here on this site. I know what it is like to have, shall we say, gynelogical issues and it is not fun. The last thing you probably want to do right now is go see your doc again, but they really are your best bet. Ask them if non-traditional meds (herbs, diet changes, etc.) would help in addition to what prescriptions you are getting....they may have some real answers. But if your doc is not helpful, you may want to find a new one....don't be afraid. This is your body and you need to make sure you have it under control. I wish you all the best.

Answer 5

Only a doctor can help you. Tell him/her in details and dont allow them to give you a run around. Doctors are known to do that, as they think we worry too much. It might be serious, since the anitbiotics aren't helpful. Finally, this is STD and AIDS generation, please, please dont have mulitple partners, unless you have them all tested for the diseases. Why increase your risks? In the end you'll suffer the consequences and live with regret.
First thing: Go to the doctor, everything else can stay on hold. Good luck

Answer 6

look at that webpage.

if you dont have multiple partners and youre SURE your one partner doesnt either.... you should try a SECOND OPINION.

as much as going to the gyno stinks.....even the smartest and best doctors overlook things and make mistakes.

(my sister was treated for HPV and they burned bumps off her labia....which then cause her alot of pain....turned out she is highly allergic to certain detergents.)

in fact...regardless of you and your sex partners sex life - you should seek a second opinion anyway. and a third.

always better to be careful in that area of the body

Answer 7

The antibiotic "Tetracycline" works well. Does your doctor not seem concerned that the BV is recurring?

Answer 8

Some women find that eating yogurt daily helps to prevent these infections. (especially if you take antibiotics often, thus killing the healthy bateria and allowing for an overgrowth of yeast.)

Answer 9

Yeast Infection Cure Secrets : http://YeastCured.uzaev.com/?atEC

Answer 10

Your partners personal hygiene is the probable cause. Use of condom helps. Another could be going vaginal from anal without cleaning the penis thoroughly first.