{"id":9230,"date":"2019-08-07T06:24:49","date_gmt":"2019-08-07T06:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9230"},"modified":"2021-05-05T14:08:53","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T14:08:53","slug":"16-frequent-causes-of-bacterial-vaginosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/16-frequent-causes-of-bacterial-vaginosis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Frequent Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bacterial vaginosis (also known as BV) is a relatively common type of bacterial infection that happens when the pH balance inside the vagina measures outside of the normal range. It happens to the majority of women at some point in their lives, and it\u2019s usually easy to treat with a simple course of antibiotics if and when it does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition cannot be sexually transmitted but is instead usually triggered when there\u2019s anything that throws the pH balance of the vagina out from where it\u2019s supposed to be. This can happen because of a variety of different reasons, including the use (and often overuse) of feminine hygiene products, or the use of shower gels and other products which might irritate the vagina or imbalance the pH levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s a minor infection, it can sometimes cause major issues \u2013 including symptoms like itching and discharge \u2013 if it\u2019s left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 frequent causes of bacterial vaginosis that you should know about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Changes in Your Diet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You are what you eat is the popular expression, and diet has far more to do with vaginal health than most people might have thought to consider. If you are following a healthy diet<\/a>, your body will respond in kind \u2013 but if you consume anything that can affect your body\u2019s pH levels and cause it to go completely off, then these changes in your diet can be some of the factors that help to trigger bacterial vaginosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming too many acidic foods and drinks through your diet every day can almost certainly have this effect, and you\u2019ll notice BV as a recurring condition that keeps coming back every few weeks if this is the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examine your diet first and try to cut out any acidic components to see if this makes any difference \u2013 and if you aren\u2019t sure how to approach this, do your research online and download a few diet plans available on the internet, or make an appointment with a nutritional specialist. 
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2. Douching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Douching <\/a>might be an ancient method that has been part of hygiene for thousands of years, but this doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s always the best thing for the body \u2013 and sometimes (in fact, many times!) regular douching can cause more issues with the vagina than it can ever claim to fix.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whole idea behind douching is that it helps to restore the natural pH balance of the vagina, but when done too many times, this can, in fact, erase the natural bacteria found in the vagina instead \u2013 and it can lead to experiencing repeated bouts of BV which just keep coming back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many douching products are chemically harsh to boot, and this just makes an existing problem even worse. If bacterial vaginosis happens to you and you can\u2019t track down another cause, it might be your douching product. If not, then it could be some of the other reasons mentioned on this list. 
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3. Switching Washing Powder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone uses washing powder, and it\u2019s such a common product that very few people will ever think of the fact that they might be able to track certain health issues right down to the type of washing powder they use. If you have switched to another washing powder other than the one you normally use and have started to experience rashes<\/a>, itching, discharge or any other BV symptoms, start by switching over to another washing powder.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main causes of BV is a pH imbalance in the vagina \u2013 and as you might have realized by this point, there are a few things that can cause the natural bacteria in the vagina to be flushed away or die off; one of these things is chemically harsh washing powder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly true where underwear is washed with the applicable washing powder because of its close contact with the body. 
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4. Some Shower Gels and Other Products<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Douche gels and washing powders aren\u2019t the only chemically harsh commercial products that can cause an imbalance in the vaginal pH levels<\/a> \u2013 and be one of the subsequent causes for a BV infection. If you experience any symptoms of the condition, which can include itching, discomfort, and discharge, then your first step should take a general overall look at the products you have been using \u2013 from your weekly washing powder through to your daily shower gel.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different hygiene products that can irritate the skin and imbalance the pH. This is a likely option if you keep suffering from the same symptoms even though you\u2019ve had them treated before \u2013 and the only way to figure out which of the products you use are the likely culprits for this problem would be to eliminate each of them from your health routine individually to see if it helps. 
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5. Tampon Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of women out there use tampons <\/a>every month, and if you\u2019re one of them and you have been experiencing common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, then you should consider switching to another brand \u2013 or speaking to your doctor about what other alternatives are out there, including birth control medication which can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While tampons aren\u2019t dangerous by themselves, nobody can deny that chemicals are used during the manufacturing process, and anyone who is more sensitive to chemicals can automatically be affected by these \u2013 and it can help to eradicate the body\u2019s natural pH levels and be one of the triggers for vaginosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor if you experience repeated episodes of BV or itching and irritation after using tampons, and ask what can be done about product alternatives. 
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6. Overuse of Vaginal Hygiene Products<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Douche isn\u2019t the only product out there aimed at female hygiene: There are hundreds (if not thousands) of different brands \u2013 and different products. Some are underwear liners, some are sanitary pads, some are traditional tampons and some are douche gels or wipes. All of these products contain chemicals<\/a>, and all of these products have the potential to imbalance the natural pH level found inside the vagina \u2013 and this is more true where these products are used too much.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that the overuse of vaginal hygiene products might be triggering the imbalance leading to bacterial vaginosis, then the first thing you should do is to discontinue the use of these products immediately. The next step is to see your doctor: Usually, most cases of BV are easy to treat with a simple course of antibiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you were wondering, this doesn\u2019t mean that you have to discontinue the use of these products entirely \u2013 but use them less often or switch over to alternative brands until you\u2019ve found one that works for you. 
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7. New Sexual Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial vaginosis isn\u2019t a sexually transmitted disease, but this doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re automatically in the clear after having sex. This is because having sex can still affect the body\u2019s pH levels \u2013 and this is because of the introduction of another person\u2019s bacteria is almost guaranteed to imbalance yours. Where this leads to a BV infection, it can be easy to treat with a simple course of antibiotics <\/a>\u2013 and it\u2019s likely to stop recurring once you\u2019ve built up an immunity against this \u201cdifference\u201d in bacteria that your body isn\u2019t really used to yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can outline the importance of using protection with new sexual partners, and the serious importance of having both yourself and potential sexual partners tested: The symptoms of BV can sometimes be similar to the starting symptoms of certain sexually transmitted conditions, and everyone involved would usually rather be safe than sorry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, see your doctor if you experience any BV symptoms and would like to know how they affect you or your sex life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Fabric Allergies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chemicals can be one of the leading and most common causes of BV, and if you experience repeated bouts of bacterial vaginosis, it\u2019s likely that you should look at many factors in your life, health or diet that happen to be constant. These are likely things that you use every day \u2013 or at the very least regularly \u2013 and the use of the product is likely to cause the same symptoms over and over again until you\u2019ve found and eliminated the culprit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already been through products like your washing powder and shower gel as potential causes, then the next factor you should look at is your fabric: Fabric is a very common irritant<\/a>, especially because of its close contact with the skin, and it can be one of the triggering factors for a repeated BV infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switch to other fabrics, particularly for underwear and pants, and see if it makes any difference to how regularly the condition recurs.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

9. STI Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection. Instead, it occurs when the bacteria inside the vagina experience an imbalance, resulting in the onset of the condition. However, there are various bacterial STIs that can cause the start of BV in the affected individual. The most common STIs <\/a>in the United States are chlamydia and trich. Both of these STIs can cause a bacterial imbalance in the vagina, resulting in the onset of BV in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that enters the urinary tract and spreads throughout the pelvis and nearby organs. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it could evolve into PID, pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease is potentially life-threatening and can result in sterility in the affected person. Trich is a parasitic infection, but it can also cause a bacterial imbalance that leads to the onset of BV in patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these STIs are preventable and curable through advances in modern medical science. A course of antibiotics will help the patient return to normal bacterial levels in the vagina, and lift the symptoms of BV in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

10. Smoking and Drinking Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who partake in self-destructive lifestyle habits are also at risk of developing BV. Practices such as smoking cigarettes <\/a>have a toxic effect on the body, disrupting the normal function of every system in the body. People who smoke find that they have a weaker immune response than non-smokers, resulting in higher risk or infection from exposure to pathogens, such as bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking alcohol also causes numerous adverse health effects in people, with a weakening of the immune system among the most common effects of drinking to excess. If you drink or smoke, it’s vital that you seek medical treatment to help you abstain from these habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re having trouble with quitting, speak to your doctor for advice. Your physician may offer the use of prescription medications to help you deal with your addiction, and they can also make recommendations of support groups that can help you manage your addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

11. Sexual Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, a person\u2019s sexual behavior may play a significant role in the development of the condition. Sleeping with multiple partners exposes you to numerous biological agents, especially if you engage in unprotected sex. While we\u2019ve already discussed how coming in contact with another person\u2019s bacteria <\/a>can upset your bacterial balance, there are other factors at play as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The person\u2019s hygiene may also play a significant role in the development of BV. If you have sex with someone who is dealing with a bacterial imbalance, it may cause the condition to develop. Using a condom may not provide any protection in this case, as the bacteria may transmit through sweat glands as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If most cases, the patient can make a full recovery through antibiotic treatment prescribed by their doctor. Most cases of BV will dissipate after the person stops the lifestyle behaviors and sexual practices causing the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Eating too many Refined Carbohydrates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our diet plays a significant role in the health of our bodies. If you eat too many refined carbohydrates <\/a>such as snacks, candy, and sugary soda, it can exacerbate the symptoms of bacterial imbalance in the body. Refined carbs are the ideal food source for bacteria, and they thrive in environments that offer them this source of sustenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are dealing with a case of BV, then cut all forms of refined carbs, such as sugar and flour, out of your diet. Replace these foods with sources of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. Fermented foods help to boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the body, helping to clear the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital that you drink as much water as possible during the infection. Avoid consuming soda and alcoholic beverages until the infection clears. Making these changes to your diet will help the medication clear the infection faster, and reduce the chances of experiencing another case of BV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Drug Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who misuse or abuse prescription or illicit drugs are at risk of developing BV. Drug use takes a toll on the body\u2019s bacterial balance, resulting in the onset of many different ailments. One of the most common adverse health reactions to illicit and prescription drug abuse is changes in the skin. Drug use kills beneficial bacteria in the skin, which is why may hard drug users experience skin issues such as eczema <\/a>and psoriasis plaques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only the skin that\u2019s in jeopardy of experiencing a bacterial imbalance. Women may also notice the onset of BV as well. Drug use also changes the bacterial balance in the vagina, resulting in harmful bacteria spreading throughout the vagina and pelvic area. If left undiagnosed and unmanaged, the patient may experience a steady worsening of their symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are dealing with addiction as a result of illicit prescription drug abuse, speak to a doctor for advice and counseling on how to overcome the addiction and return to normal levels of health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

14. Failing to Urinate After Sex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who engage in sexual behavior should always ensure that they urinate after having sex. The urine <\/a>cleans out the urethra, reducing the risk of infection. The sterile nature of urine eradicates any biological material found in the vagina after sex. Those individuals that do not urinate after having sex are at a higher risk of developing BV.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even a small amount of urine may help to reduce the presence of bacteria that may result in the onset of BV in affected individuals. When people have sex, it involves the swapping of body fluids that can play host to numerous forms of bacteria and viruses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While doctors recommend that every one that isn\u2019t in a monogamous relationship to use precautions when having sex with a new partner, many people refuse to adhere to this advice. As a result, they may end up receiving a bacterial imbalance from their partner, resulting in the onset of BV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

15. Post-Surgical Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some women may develop the onset of BV due to post-surgery infection. It\u2019s common for women to have a hysterectomy after they enter menopause<\/a>. This procedure helps women deal with the physical and emotional response of the body\u2019s end of menstruation. The menstruation cycle is responsible for regulating hormones in the body, and the surgery helps to bring the patient’s emotional response to the condition into check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the surgery may result in a post-operative bacterial infection of the vagina. As a result, the patient starts to experience the onset of BV. Fortunately, doctors are quick to recognize and diagnose the condition. The physician treats the patient\u2019s infection through the use of antibiotics to eliminate the harmful bacteria responsible for causing the infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hysterectomy is the most common surgical procedure resulting in the onset of BV in the patient. However, the patient may also experience the infection from other surgeries, such as pregnancy termination, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Antibiotic Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While physicians use medications, such as antibiotics, to clear an infection in patients, they can also cause the opposite effect in some individuals. When a doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics<\/a>, they typically prescribe probiotic complexes the coincide with the antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics kill all bacteria, including the good bacteria.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, the body does have good bacteria, and they exist in a delicate balance. When we disturb that balance through the use of antibiotics, situations like BV can occur. Therefore, it\u2019s vital that you follow your doctor\u2019s advice when using the medication, and take your probiotics along with your antibiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some antibiotics are stronger than others, so always get your doctor\u2019s advice before you start any treatment. If you have experienced previous BV infections, then mention this to your doctor during the diagnosis. The new infection may mean that you are predisposed to developing bacterial imbalance, and the doctor will look for other lifestyle factors and health implications that may be causing the recurrence of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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