What can cause bacterial vaginitis in a woman who has not been sexually acitve for a long period of time?

Question

I have a bacterial infection, but have not had sexual contact in months. Can this be cause by not wiping properly after going to the bathroom?

Answer 1

Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection in the vagina caused by a type of bacteria (germ). The vagina normally contains a lot of "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli, and a few other types of bacteria, called anaerobes. Too many anaerobes can cause bacterial vaginosis. We don't know why the anaerobe bacteria overgrow and cause this infection.
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally in the vagina. While it's more common in women who are sexually active, it also occurs in women who are not sexually active. It's not usually necessary for your sex partner to be treated.
E. coli which is a normal inhabitant of the rectum can cause bacterial vaginitis if it is spread to the vaginal area. Other factors which may contribute include hot weather, poor health, poor hygiene, use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, and routine vaginal douching.

Answer 2

One doesn't necessarily need a cause. The vagina always has a mixture of bacteria and fungi in it, simply because it is a moist, warm, dark place. Most of the room is taken up by lactobacilli which live there quite happily, not causing any symptoms.

Anything that disrupts or kills them leaves a space and other infections expand to fill it.

This can occur if the acid level in the vagina changes, this can occur with a period. It can happen if a foreign body is present, such as a coil. It can also be precipitated by antibiotics aimed at other areas of the body.

Answer 3

i developed a bacterial infection which led on to PID because i was TOO clean, not unclean! I used a way to harsh wash down there (im pretty odd when it comes to being clean) and this is what my doctor said was probably the cause because i stripped the good bacteria from the area and left it more susceptible to infection (the good bacteria does a good job on its own keeping you clean). I now use a soap free, perfume free etc feminine wash which does not irritate me and since then, have not had thrush or anything like that. x

Answer 4

I've recently had bv. I haven't seen my hubby for 8 weeks so when I got bv I felt awful and dirty. I went to the docs and they said it could have been a number of things, not having sexual contact for a while, change of soap, water, using certain bubble bath with scent, tight jeans ... the list is endless. I was given 'metronidazole'. I too posted a question a couple of days ago. Check out the answers I received. Also check out this site 'http://www.embarrassingproblems.co.uk'

Answer 5

It has about the same premise as a yeast infection i think, i had one awhile ago and if i remember correctly my doctor said that not only wiping incorrectly when going to the bathroom, you can get it by wearing to tight of clothing or sitting to long in wet clothing or by just wearing a thong. I hope this helps some

Answer 6

it can, and chances are thats probably what it is because you are not sexually active. And also not properly washing or rinsing ALL the soap away can cause this too

hope it gets better :)

Answer 7

It can be, or your clothes are too tight. Some women can get it quite a lot just before their period so it can be hormonal too.

Answer 8

nylon or mixed fiber underwear can cause it stick to cotton and that will help

Answer 9

im afrid its germs, not germans from germany, but germs from everywhere, you got to be cleaner down there

Answer 10

http://www.cdc.gov/std/BV/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm.