What causes someone to get Bacterial Vaginosis?

BV (Bacterial vaginosis) is NOT an STD.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) results from an overgrowth of organisms that are normally present in the vagina. Usually, "good" bacteria outnumber "bad" bacteria in your vagina. But if bad bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance and bacterial vaginosis results. This type of vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis) can spread during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs in people who aren't sexually active. Women with new or multiple sex partners, as well as women who douche or use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis.

If you have been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), you can use lactobacillus (as in yogurt) to help restore the balance of vaginal bacteria, either along with or instead of antibiotic treatment. If you are pregnant, remember to avoid vaginal administration of any treatment. Lactobacillus organisms stop the growth of harmful bacteria, boost the immune system, and increase resistance to infection.

Men can NOT get BV so he is not passing it to you. Some women can get BV several times a year. Talk to your doctor about how they keep reoccurring for you and maybe there are some other options you can take.

Check out these sites for some more information:

http://std-gov.org/stds/bacterial_vaginosis.htm

http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw53097

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I had this problem about 2 years ago. I was flip flopping between having BV or a yeast infection every month. I was on the patch and then the ring. I didn't have any problems till I had been on birth control for about 6 months. Apparently, birth control can change the normal environment of the vagina from acidic to more alkaline. Also, semen is alkaline and reduces the acidity of the vagina. Anyway, I stopped birth control in March and have been using condoms since and haven't had another infection. So if you are doing any of those things that may be the cause. I suffered for ever until I did my own research. As far as I know and have been told males don't carry BV. BV isn't an STD don't listen to other people who have told you that. BV or yeast is just an overgrowth of normal bacteria found in the vagina. It happens were there isn't normal balance or ph level in the vagina. I would suggest using condoms, getting off birth control or there is something new I've heard of to keep the ph normal called Rephresh or something like that. Look it up and if you need anymore advice about this email me.

If you have had this 6 times in one year and get treated and sleep with only one person??????dUH GUESS WHO IS GIVING IT TO YOU>

This is an bacterial imbalance in vaginal fluids (google it)

and not very pleasant. Men do not show the same symptoms women do. Perhaps you should abstain for a while and get it completely cleared.

The following is a home remedy but works.

Eat Yogurt regularly (make sure it has live cultures) This helps the the bacterial balance in your body correct. Stomach, vagina etc.You can also take acidopholis pill from a health food store. Acidopholis is in yogurt.

Its simple and works give it a try. I eat yogurt with fruit or grapenuts or in smoothies everyday to keep that PH right. Good Luck.

The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful" bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.

Not much is known about how women get BV. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:

Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners,

Douching, and

Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV. Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them. Women that have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected.BV is not completely understood by scientists, and the best ways to prevent it are unknown. However, it is known that BV is associated with having a new sex partner or having multiple sex partners. It is seldom found in women who have never had intercourse.

The following basic prevention steps can help reduce the risk of upsetting the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and developing BV:

Be abstinent.

Limit the number of sex partners.

Do not douche.

Use all of the medicine prescribed for treatment of BV, even if the signs and symptoms go away.

As with any STD, there may be signs and symptoms, there may not be for the male. Females, on the norm tend to have symptoms much faster than men. In reference to Bacteria Vaginosis...It can be sexually transmitted, and is considered an STD. Be Cautious with your partner; condoms are always a wise choice! Stay away from scented douches, perfumed powder, bubble bath...etc...they have been linked with BV also; most importantly..be certain to follow up with your MD. Take care.

~ RN in Indy

The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful" bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.

Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:

Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners,

douching, and using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

You should go see your doctor or GYN.

Bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis may cause a thin, grey vaginal discharge and a fishy odor.

Please see the webpages on Vulvovaginitis and Bacterial vaginosis.

i had it when i was prenant and was informed it wasnt a std its a chemical off balance in the vagina or bacteria make sure you are urinating after sex

Bingo! He needs to be treated at the same time as you!