How Can I Prevent Bv From Coming Back?

What can help prevent BV from coming back again?

1. Pay attention to vaginal hygiene. You don’t need to do much to keep your vaginal area clean.
2. Wear breathable underwear.
3. Ask about boric acid suppositories.
4. Use condoms.
5. Maintain a healthy vaginal pH.
6. Take a probiotic.
7. Find healthy ways to destress.

Does BV ever stop coming back?

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.

Why do I constantly keep getting BV?

However, we do know the condition most often occurs in those who are sexually active. BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.

Why do I get BV every month?

BV is very common and results from a change in the bacterial flora in the vagina. It is sometimes hard to treat, as 30% of women who get better after treatment will get BV again within three months, and more than 50% of women will have BV again within 12 months.

What foods to avoid when you have BV?

“Foods that are processed, such as packaged sweets, popcorn, smoked meats, dairy, and dried fruits, can affect your immune system, and if your immune system is oppressed by your nutrition, this can cause bacteria to populate the area, causing itching, infections, including bacterial vaginosis,” says Dr. Posina.

What probiotic is best for BV?

The best probiotics for BV are products that include both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 strains. These can be found in both the Fem-Dophilus from Jarrow Formulas and RepHresh Pro B probiotic supplements.

Will my BV ever go away?

Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. But in some women it doesn’t go away on its own. And for many women it comes back after it has cleared up. Antibiotic treatment works for some women but not others.

What helps restore your pH balance?

How to restore your vaginal pH naturally

• Consider using boric acid suppositories.
• Incorporate more probiotics into your diet.
• Consider taking garlic tablets.
• Find ways to destress.
• Cut back or quit smoking.
• Be mindful of how you clean your vulva and vagina.
• Pay attention to your underwear.
• Use barrier methods during sex.

Can cranberry juice help with BV?

There is some evidence suggesting that women taking vitamin supplementation show decreased rates of BV6. Probiotics have also been found to provide relief when used in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy¹⁵. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms.

How do I lower my pH balance down there?

To keep the pH of your vagina at a consistently healthy level, follow these tips:

1. Whenever you have sex, use a condom. The barrier will not only protect you from STDs, but it’ll also prevent alkaline semen from disrupting your vaginal pH levels.
2. Take probiotics.
3. Don’t douche.
4. Eat yogurt.
5. See your OB-GYN.

How do you stop chronic BV?

However, taking the following steps may help reduce your risk of recurring BV infections.

1. Pay attention to vaginal hygiene.
2. Wear breathable underwear.
3. Ask about boric acid suppositories.
4. Use condoms.
5. Maintain a healthy vaginal pH.
6. Take a probiotic.
7. Find healthy ways to destress.

Can BV be caused by stress?

Any change in your immune health—like stress—can impact your vaginal pH level, making a yeast infection and/or bacterial vaginosis more common.

What vitamins are good for your vag?

Studies suggest that supplements like vitamin E, vitamin D, sea buckthorn oil, hyaluronic acid, fish oil, and DHEA could help increase vaginal lubrication.

Why is BV hard to get rid of?

Why BV is hard to treat. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by groups of bacteria. This makes it different from other genital infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, where one bacterium is responsible.

What vitamins help with pH balance?

In its natural form, aloe vera contains vitamins B, B12, A, C, and E, as well as folic acid. It also contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and a lot of water. When enhanced by the correct dose of alkalizing calcium, it encourages a healthy pH balance.

Why does my partner throw off my pH balance?

Unprotected penetrative sex with a man changes the pH of your vagina because semen has a pH of between 7.1 and 8. During sex, the pH of your vagina rises in order to create a more alkaline environment to protect the sperm and encourage fertilization. This can also encourage the growth of certain bacteria.

Does cranberry juice help your pH balance?

Compounds in cranberries could balance the vagina’s pH level, and its acidic property helps fight bacteria that cause infections.

Is BV caused by poor hygiene?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by the overgrowth of the natural vaginal bacteria. BV is a common infection, especially among pregnant women. The cause of BV is not fully understood; it is not caused by poor hygiene.

What foods throw off your pH balance?

Smelly foods: When eaten in excess, foods like garlic, asparagus, onions, and broccoli may make you taste or smell a bit funky as they can throw your pH balance out of whack.

What yogurt is best for BV?

Eat plain, probiotic yogurt daily. One study showed that after consuming 150mL yogurt containing L. acidophilus daily for two months, there was a 60% reduction in BV episodes.

How do you keep it fresh all day down there?

1. Keeping it Clean

1. Wash daily with warm water—soap is optional, but use a gentle soap like Dove-Hypoallergenic, Neutrogena, Basis, or Pears.
2. Do not wash inside your vagina.
3. Avoid using special scrubs, scented soaps, and douching—even products that say they’re designed for vaginal care.