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Monday, November 30, 2009

Ask Dr. Kate: How do I get rid of bacterial vaginosis?

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Dear Dr. Kate,

On my last visit to my GYN, my Pap smear was abnormal. I was treated for a yeast infection, which I didn't think I had, and bacterial vaginosis. The next Pap test was normal. I am on birth control so my husband doesn't "pull out." Even though I was treated, the bacterial vaginosis came back pretty quickly. I shower once a day and in the summer twice a day with Dove only. Can my husband be re-infecting me and/or does he also needs to be treated for bacteria?

BV 4EVER?


Dear BV4E,

Your question brings up two important issues. The first is what Pap tests are done for, and what they can incidentally (but not reliably) do. Even though Pap tests are designed to detect abnormalities in your cervix, the pathologists can sometimes also see signs of infection. At the time of the initial diagnosis, did you have symptoms of a yeast infection (usually itching and a cottage-cheesy discharge) and/or vaginosis (usually a foul odor and increased discharge that may be white, yellow or grey)? Pap "detection" of infections isn't always accurate, so many doctors will follow up those findings with better tests.

The second issue is just how commonly bacterial vaginosis, or BV, recurs. If you did have BV, one round of antibiotics doesn't always cure it--30 to 50 percent of women will have another episode of BV within a few months. It doesn't mean your husband has to "pull out," and it DOESN'T mean that you're not keeping yourself clean. (And YAY for Dove, by the way, it's my favorite soap for the vulva!) It also doesn't mean that your husband is re-infecting you. BV is an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina, not something that you get from him. So he doesn't need to be treated: BV likes the vagina and doesn't care for the penis.

When I have patients with a "rebound" BV infection, I give them either a different antibiotic, or the same antibiotic given in a different way (if they used a vaginal gel the first time, I'll try pills next). For the few patients who continually get BV, I'll put them on maintenance therapy, using the vaginal gel once a week for several months
to see if that does the trick.

Have any of you had a hard time banishing BV?


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Related: vaginal health, pap smear, gynocologists, bacterial vaginosis, antibiotics

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 36
  • DLW's Avatar
    Posted by DLW Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:33pm PDT

    I'm so glad to see this!! I got it about a month ago and it came back about two weeks later! My doctor ordered an antibiotic both times, but this time I'm taking a longer dosage. I was also told to take acidophilus along with the antibiotic and afterwards. I guess its supposed to keep your good bacteria going. I'm hoping that this will take care of it, cause I HATE THIS!!! lol

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  • Penny's Avatar
    Posted by Penny Fri Jul 11, 2008 8:55pm PDT

    This a great informative article. I have BV years ago and had it several times. It was driving me crazy. I had pills that made my GI give me the trouble. It came back. Finally I had two courses of Metro gel (inner vag) and a yeast treatment (twice) and it finally cleared up completely. I have not had it in a long time. My heart goes out to women who have this...it's awful!

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  • Mz Dark Chocolate's Avatar
    Posted by Mz Dark Chocolate Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:07pm PDT

    dont get me started on this bv i swear i live with it monthly i so sick of this, i just finish difulcan and b4 that was flagal...what can be done to rid this out of our bodies for good!!!

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  • Sharon's Avatar
    Posted by Sharon Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:47am PDT

    During my honeymoon, I experienced BV and early signs of UTI. I didn't have it before we married because we didn't have sex often. During our honeymoon, sex was very frequent. I took the BV medication, but experienced the same recurrent episodes. So, we cut down on sex until a normal balance was reached for me down there. Now, we try to limit it to once a week, and I don't have any problems at all. It even helps prevent UTIs. Some people are just more sensitive than others. You just have to experiment and see what works best for you. Hope this helps.

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  • Sheba's Avatar
    Posted by Sheba Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:37am PDT

    I too suffer from BV. It's constantly coming back. Sometimes it's months before the infection reappears and then it's back to back. My boyfriend and I have been together a year and I just recently had a BV infection, which I had to explain. Great topic to discuss right?

    Report Abuse
  • Sandy's Avatar
    Posted by Sandy Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:39am PDT

    I had BV for what seemed like forever!! I was treated for it, by prescription, 3 times, but it kept coming back. I also tried taking acidophilus, but had NO success with that either. I finally got rid of it by using an epsom salt and warm water douche. I dissolved the epsom salt in warm water and douched with it twice a week for 8 weeks, then dropped to douching with epsom salt and water once a week. I now use the same douche as a weekly hygiene regime and have not had any reoccurences of BV. I noticed that after the first 3 weeks of douching twice a week that the BV symptoms (odor and itch) were gone, but I wanted to be sure that it had left completely!!!! I am now BV FREE....YAY!!!!

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  • Believer's Avatar
    Posted by Believer Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:40am PDT

    I am 60 years old, and I also suffer with this thing.... I made a garlic paste and pack my self with it and never had it again...Im sorry that I don remember the ofther herbs, check with your health food store for more information...

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  • Seneca's Avatar
    Posted by Seneca Sat Jul 12, 2008 6:50pm PDT

    I suffer from frequent BV, I cant stand them. When i get them i never feel clean. Iasked my doctor was it something i could do about it and she said no.Some women are more sensitive than others and more prone to get them .Her suggestion to me was just wear condoms, but who wants to do that when your in a one woman one man relationship.

    Report Abuse
  • Bastgoddess7's Avatar
    Posted by Bastgoddess7 Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:03pm PDT

    ew

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  • PattyB's Avatar
    Posted by PattyB Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:35am PDT

    I recently had a bout with bv! It was very frustrating and I made several Drs. appointments within 6 weeks. The pills didn't work, however my nurse practioner prescribed met gel and gave me Iodine swabs.

    After that regiment the bv cleared up, but I had a yeast infection. That was easy to take care of, with over-the-counter meds. I felt like I had taken a spring vacation from intimacy with my man!

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 36

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