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Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The Importance of Proper Vaginal Care

You’ve probably heard the phrase “your vagina is a self-cleaning oven.” While it’s true that you don’t need to scrub inside your vagina to keep it clean, an imbalance of bacteria can lead to conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV causes uncomfortable symptoms like vaginal discomfort, discharge, and a strong odor. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. While the exact cause of BV is unknown, certain factors can increase your risk, such as:

• Having sex with a new partner
• Having multiple sex partners
• Not using barrier protection during sex
• Douching
• Not having enough vaginal lactobacillus (good bacteria)

Symptoms of BV

If you have BV, you may experience:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal discomfort and irritation
• A strong, unpleasant vaginal odor, often after sex

Why You Need to See a Doctor for BV

BV can increase your risk of getting HIV, having a premature delivery during pregnancy, or contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can impact your fertility. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to see a gynecologist in person to get a pelvic exam and confirm the presence of BV.

Treatment Options for BV

The best way to treat BV is with antibiotics, which can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional. You may need to take metronidazole (available in gel or cream form) or clindamycin (in pill form). While telehealth options are available, an in-person visit to the gyno is ideal.

At-Home Testing Kits and Telehealth Options

If you’re unable to see a doctor in person, consider using an at-home testing kit or virtual health visit to confirm your suspicions. Some popular options include:

• myLAB Box: Offers a BV-specific at-home testing kit that tests for multiple types of bacteria, including gardnerella.
• LetsGetChecked: Provides an at-home STI testing package that includes testing for gardnerella (BV).
• Alpha: A telehealth company that offers virtual consultations and treatment for BV.

Tips for Choosing the Best BV Treatment for You

When deciding between a testing kit and a virtual doc visit, consider the following:

• If you’re pretty sure your symptoms are caused by a bacterial overgrowth or infection, a testing kit might be helpful.
• If you’ve had BV before or get it often, a testing kit could be a good route for getting antibiotics without going to the doc.
• Find out whether the telehealth service you’re considering takes insurance or offers low-cost options for those without insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When should I see a doctor for BV? If you have any BV-related symptoms, you should see a gyno in person to get a pelvic exam.
• What happens if BV goes untreated? If you don’t treat BV, you may end up being at higher risk for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
• Why do I keep getting BV? Experts don’t know exactly what causes BV, but some factors can increase your risk, such as having sex with a new partner, having multiple sex partners, and douching.

Preventing BV

While there’s no surefire way to prevent BV, you can reduce your risk by:

• Not having sex (this might be a tall order, no?)
• Not douching (seriously, please don’t)
• Limiting the number of people you have sex with
• Not using perfumed soaps (or anything other than water) to clean your vagina
• Maintaining good hygiene (like wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and wearing cotton or cotton-lined underwear)

Remember, if you think you have BV, make an appointment with a gyno. If that’s not possible, consider an at-home testing kit or virtual health visit to confirm your suspicions and get the prescription treatment you need to banish BV from your life.