Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is just one of many conditions that any vagina owner can encounter due to the bacterial overgrowth that is already hanging in your hoo-ha. This can cause you to deal with vaginal odor, discharge, and discomfort.
But can sudden BV infection confirm someone was a cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater? Sorry, but it’s not that simple. And BV is unlikely to be a sign of fraud.
There are a number of factors that can lead to BV. Sure, getting nervous with a new partner is on the list, but smoking and showering are also on the list.
Here’s a deeper look at why BV isn’t a tell-tale sign of scam.
You may think that since BV isn’t a common yeast infection, it has to be an STI, right? Not correct! BV is not an STI.
BV occurs when naturally occurring bacteria are overgrown in the vagina. STIs occur when there is an infection thanks to bacteria or other pathogens that * don’t * naturally occur in the vagina.
A common reason BV is mistaken for an STI is because it can cause symptoms similar to:
To make it short…
BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that already live in the vagina. It can even affect those who have never had sex, so it cannot be something that is exclusively sexually transmitted. Do you feel us
Although BV is not an STI, it can show up after sex. This is because any form of penetrative sex can upset the natural bacterial balance of your vagina – which, as you suspected, can lead to an overgrowth of BV-causing bacteria.
If an infection is passed on to a partner, it is unlikely that someone with a penis will develop BV. However, it is possible for BV to spread between partners with vaginas.
BV and STIs can still coexist …
Some of the things that can upset your vaginal bacteria and lead to BV include:
- Showers or vaginal soaps. These can seriously affect the area around your vagina. This doesn’t directly lead to BV, but it can affect the natural bacteria that allow BV to thrive. (tl; dr: dig the shower!)
- Sexual activity. As we mentioned earlier, penetrative sex can also disrupt the natural order of your vagina and make BV appear undesirable. Inserting * anything * into the vagina can lead to BV.
- Diet. Those who follow a diet high in fat or low in folic acid, vitamin E, and calcium are more likely to get BV.
- Your period. Menstrual bleeding is also a very common cause. Anything that changes the pH of your vagina can trigger bacterial overgrowth and lead to BV.
You are also at risk of getting BV if you:
Researchers still need more information to understand why BV can suddenly appear out of nowhere. There are just too many irritating possibilities behind BV.
However, some studies suggest that having sex with the same partner may be the link to recurring BV infections – BV that keep coming back.
What’s up with recurring BV?
BV is considered recurrent if it recurs after 3 * symptomatic * episodes in 12 months.
Annoyingly, up to 80 percent of those who seek BV treatment will have BV symptoms again (ugh).
Around 30 percent of BV cases go away after a few days without treatment.
However, if you are experiencing BV symptoms, it is still a good idea to see your doctor for help diagnosing and treating BV. Untreated BV can lead to pregnancy complications, pelvic inflammatory disease, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
To treat BV, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic such as clindamycin or metronidazole, which you apply directly to the vagina (metronidazole is also available in pill form). By the way, metronidazole is considered safe to use when using Preggo 🤰. Solosec (Secnidazole) is also becoming an extremely common drug for BV.
If you get more BV symptoms a few months after your treatment, your doctor may suggest another round of antibiotics. In fact, recurring BV may require treatment for up to 6 months.
Crazy enough, about half of people with BV have no symptoms. But BV often comes with a strong odor, unusual gray vaginal discharge, and some irritation while you pee.
While you’re recovering from BV, try these tips to help relieve symptoms (get approval from your doctor first):
- Showering instead of bathing.
- Use gentle soap when showering and wash your parts only with warm water (no fancy vag soaps or showers!).
- Rock underwear made from lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton.
- Going on command at night might also help.
If you are still experiencing stress with STIs, then you can have peace of mind booking a test.
STI symptoms to look out for:
This stab makes it easy to switch to defense mode. Nobody wants to be confronted with possible infidelity. Do your best to stay calm and hear what they have to say. Tell them directly, “I hear you.”
Often times, these concerns arise because someone really values ​​their relationship and wants to take care of it.
After hearing your partner’s concerns, offer your best information about BV and how it isn’t an STI (shameless plug: send him this article!).
If they still want an STI test, you should offer your support by suggesting that the two of you be tested together, but only if you want to.
Also, since we don’t know too much about why BV pops up so randomly, it’s hard to say how it can be prevented.
There is some evidence that probiotics can be a helpful tool in treating or preventing recurring cases of BV. But we still need more information to be sure.
The best prevention methods to keep your vagina happy and balanced are:
- Avoid irritants like showers or harsh soaps
- Wear breathable underwear or go to command at night
- Wash your underwear in a mild detergent
- Showers (sorry bathrooms!)
- Make sure your sex toys are squeaky clean before using them
The exact causes of BV are somewhat of a mystery, aside from bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. However, we know that BV is not an STI.
If you or a partner have BV this is not a sign of fraud. However, sexual activity can lead to BV as it can disrupt the area around the vagina.
Ultimately, BV has no one to point your fingers at. And talking to your doctor about relief and necessary treatment is more important.
If fraud is still a problem, get tested for STIs to give you and your partner a certain level of security.
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