Bacterial Vaginosis: A Guide for How to Get Rid of BV
Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is more common among women than you think. What begins with an uncomfortable fishy smell becomes an intense itch, which due to all the friction results in you being sore down there. Breaking this cycle becomes more urgent than anything does. This article aims to help you with the best BV treatment OTC or the best treatment for BV using over-the-counter medication.
What Is BV?
BV is a very common bacterial infection. There are varieties of bacteria that live and multiply in healthy vaginas. When these vaginal bacteria are in balance, they maintain vaginal health. However, an imbalance in the levels of these bacteria leads to an overgrowth of Gardnerella Vaginalis, or other bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow and multiply, i.e., they are anaerobic bacteria. This imbalance results in a reduction or undergrowth of bacteria called lactobacilli, which are instrumental in keeping the vagina healthy and acidic.
Bacterial Vaginosis Risk Factors
“BV is very common in people with vaginas, particularly those who are of childbearing age, including pregnant people. The infection most commonly occurs in people with vaginas aged 15-44, though people with vaginas of any age can get it.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Common symptoms of BV include a thin white or gray vaginal discharge, which may sometimes be accompanied by a strong fishy smell. Many women have reported having seen a spike in the smell after having sex or washing with soap. Itching or burning around the vulva can also be a sign of BV, as an itching or burning when you pee.
It is also worth mentioning that BV can be mistaken for other conditions, including vaginitis, vaginal yeast infections, or trichomoniasis.
Bacterial Vaginosis Causes
The cause of BV is not always known; however, having a new sex partner or multiple sexual partners can cause a disruption in the pH balance of your vagina, which leads to bacterial vaginosis. Douching using vaginal deodorants are some of the other activities that can cause a disruption in the vagina’s natural, which further leads to BV.
Is BV a sexually transmitted disease?
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection; however, having sex with a new partner, or multiple partners, may increase your risk for BV. Although BV is not an STI, having BV increases your chances of becoming infected with an STI, including HIV, if you are exposed to one.
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
BV should be treated with antibiotics taken orally or antibiotics in creams or gels placed in the vagina. The latter are easily available OTC, making them one of the best and most convenient BV treatment OTC. While one is on treatment, one should avoid having sex or at least use a condom. Intercourse, or other kinds of sex play, may feel uncomfortable or painful.
Having sex may also worsen your symptoms and make your treatment less effective. Pregnant people who have symptoms of BV should be sure to get treated as soon as possible to avoid complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth or delivery of a low birth-weight baby. One can prevent BV by practicing good hygiene, avoiding douching, and always using a condom. If one faces the problem of recurrent BV, one must consider adding probiotics to their routine.
How to Cure BV in One Day
Many people want to get rid of BV in one day. The sooner one gets rid of the pain and discomfort, surely one feels better too. A few single-day treatments do exist; however, their efficacy has not been as well researched as that of the standard treatments. One of the single-day treatments, however, is known to be as effective as the standard treatments—secnidazole. However, the treatment is much more expensive than other BV treatments OTC. Hence, it is recommended to talk to your doctor or nurse about the best course of treatment for you.