Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and How to Deal with It

By Daniella Levy, CEO, Happy V

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal infections, affecting over 21 million women annually in the United States alone. It occurs when there is an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish while the beneficial bacteria that keep the vaginal environment healthy decline. This imbalance leads to various symptoms, including unusual discharge, a fishy odor, and irritation. Though BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is more prevalent in sexually active individuals and can increase the risk of contracting STIs if left untreated.

This blog will explore everything you need to know about BV, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent it from recurring.

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, causing harmful bacteria to multiply. The most common culprit is Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacteria that, while often present in healthy vaginal flora, can cause infection when the vaginal environment becomes unbalanced. Other bacteria like Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, and Mycoplasma can also contribute to BV.

The vaginal microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that keep the vaginal environment healthy. A crucial component of this microbiome is the presence of Lactobacillus, a beneficial bacteria that produces lactic acid, keeping the vaginal pH slightly acidic. A healthy vaginal pH typically ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, and this acidity helps prevent harmful bacteria from taking over.

Causes of BV

A wide range of factors can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to BV. Some common causes include:

Sexual activity: Having new or multiple sexual partners can introduce foreign bacteria into the vaginal environment, disrupting the balance
Douching or using scented products: These products can irritate the vagina and wash away healthy bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish
Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria, leaving the vagina vulnerable to infections
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect the vaginal pH

Is BV an STI?

Although BV is more common in sexually active individuals, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. However, having BV does increase the risk of contracting STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. This is because the compromised vaginal flora in BV reduces the body’s natural ability to fight off infections.

Symptoms of BV

Interestingly, up to half of people with BV show no symptoms at all. For those who do experience symptoms, they can vary widely. Some of the most common signs include:

Unusual vaginal discharge: Often thin, grayish, and more noticeable after sexual activity
Fishy odor: This smell is especially prominent after sex
Burning sensation while urinating

It’s important to note that the symptoms of BV can be similar to other vaginal infections like yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), so it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing BV

While self-diagnosis may be tempting, it’s important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have BV. A doctor will conduct a physical exam and may take a swab of the vaginal fluid to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will also rule out other possible infections, such as UTIs or STIs.

Standard Treatments for BV

The most common treatment for BV is antibiotics. The two antibiotics most often prescribed are metronidazole and tinidazole, which help clear the infection by targeting harmful bacteria. However, because these are broad-spectrum antibiotics, they kill both good and bad bacteria, potentially leading to recurrent infections if the beneficial bacteria are not replenished.

Natural Treatment Options

If you’re prone to recurrent BV or prefer a more natural approach, probiotics can be a complementary treatment to antibiotics. Probiotics introduce healthy bacteria into the body, helping to restore balance in the vaginal flora. Research shows that taking daily probiotics, especially strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus fermentum, can help prevent and treat BV.

When choosing a probiotic supplement, it’s essential to look for clinically proven strains and avoid products that engage in “probiotic stuffing” (adding multiple unknown strains to boost CFU counts without scientific backing). Happy V’s Prebiotic + Probiotic supplement, for example, contains only well-researched strains designed to support vaginal health.

Prevention of BV

As with many health conditions, prevention is better than cure. There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent BV from recurring:

Maintain proper hygiene: Avoid douching or using scented soaps and products that can disrupt the vaginal environment
Wear breathable fabrics: Opt for cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup, which can encourage bacterial growth
Practice safe sex: Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the vagina
Probiotic supplements: Taking daily probiotics like Happy V’s Prebiotic + Probiotic can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your vaginal flora

Foods to Avoid for Optimal Vaginal Health

Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. Some foods can disrupt vaginal pH and increase the risk of infections like BV:

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause vaginal dryness and alter estrogen levels
Asparagus: This alkaline food may raise vaginal pH, making it more susceptible to infections
Processed sugars and foods: These can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and reduce the number of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria

By reducing these foods and increasing your intake of probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and dark leafy greens, you can support a healthy vaginal environment.

Key Takeaways

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. While antibiotics are often necessary to clear an active infection, they can also disrupt the balance of good bacteria, leading to recurring infections. Probiotic supplements are a proven natural option to help restore and maintain a healthy vaginal flora.

To prevent BV, practice good hygiene, consider daily probiotics, and make mindful dietary choices. By doing so, you can reduce your risk of infection and support long-term vaginal health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have questions about BV, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and a personalized treatment plan.

Learn more about our prebiotic + probiotic blend here!