Like the rest of the body, a balance must be maintained in the vaginal area – a balance in terms of the amount of bacteria and the pH level. If this balance is disrupted, infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) may arise.
BV is usually characterized by an abnormal amount of vaginal discharge. Such discharge can either be thin, gray or whitish color. This discharge has a foul-odor fishy smell and becomes more noticeable after sex. Aside from that, vaginal itching and pain during irritation may also be experienced.
BV is not a sexually transmitted disease. It affects women in childbearing age whether sexually active or non-sexually active. It is a common occurrence and is experienced by at least 29% of women in the United States. Women with this condition often ask how it is treated. There are also those who pose the question, “why do bacterial vaginosis keeps coming back? How to stop recurrent BV?” Milder cases usually go away with good hygiene practices. However, it would still be best to consult a physician when experiencing any signs and symptoms.
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to address this condition. The following are some of the antibiotics usually recommended:
1. Metronidazole
This type of antibiotic comes in three forms namely; a large tablet to be taken orally once a day, a smaller tablet taken twice a day and a gel or cream applied directly to the area. Metronidazole must be taken for at least five (5) to seven (7) days. The symptoms may clear after a day or so, however, the prescription must be finished to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Pregnant women and intoxicated people should avoid taking this medication.
2. Clindamycin
Clindamycin is also an antibiotic. It comes in many forms such as oral solution, oral capsule, topical lotion, topical gel, topical foam, topical solution, vaginal cream, and vaginal suppository. Doctors usually recommend using vaginal cream for bacterial vaginosis.
3. Tinidazole
Tinidazole is a newer type of drug. Some studies have shown that it works better than metronidazole and has fewer side effects. It is taken orally and may cause an upset stomach and nausea.
To answer the question “why do bacterial vaginosis keeps coming back? How to stop recurrent BV?” After a successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis, it may still recur. Because of the ambiguous nature of the condition, treatment is not always one hundred percent effective.
Women are advised to take the following precautionary measures to avoid future recurrence of the disease:
1. Maintain good hygiene
Good hygiene is the key in preventing this disease. As emphasized throughout the article, an imbalance in the bacterial fauna of the genital area is the primary cause of BV. Women are advised to wipe their area from front to back. They are also advised to wear cotton underwear. When cleaning your vaginal area, make sure to use mild soap. Harsh chemicals from douches and scented soaps may disrupt the balance inside the vagina.
2. Practice safe sex
Although BV is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease, having a new partner or multiple sexual partners is considered as one of the risk factors for this disease.
3. Probiotics
Intake of food with probiotics is also a good way to prevent the future recurrence of this disease.
So, prevent future recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, one has to stay in tip top shape, maintain good hygiene and practice safe sex.
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