Should i take antibiotics for bv

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Skip to main content. Reproductive system - female. Home Reproductive system - female. Bacterial vaginosis. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis BV is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis may occur at the same time as sexually transmissible infections STIs. How BV is spread Although it is not clear how BV is transmitted, it is more common in women who are sexually active. Diagnosis of BV Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and lab tests. During a medical examination, your doctor may notice: copious vaginal discharge odour from the vagina decreased acidity of the vaginal fluid on pH testing. The vagina is home to a complex colony of organisms that maintain vaginal health and its chemical pH.

When vaginal pH or bacteria change, the vagina is more vulnerable to infections, including BV. A BV infection suggests that something has upset the balance of the vaginal chemistry. Addressing this underlying cause can help treat it and reduce the risk of it returning. BV rarely causes serious symptoms, so most women who want to try home remedies for bacterial vaginosis can safely do so.

In some instances, though, symptoms of BV warrant immediate medical treatment. In most cases, a doctor can easily diagnose BV. A short course of antibiotics should clear up the infection. These antibiotics rarely produce significant side effects. BV can spread between sexual partners. So, a woman who thinks she has BV should abstain from sex, or practice safer sex with a condom, until the infection is gone. Sexual practices that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina may also trigger an outbreak of BV.

Strategies that lower the risk include:. Condoms may be purchased over-the-counter or online. Because BV can cause a foul-smelling odor, many women mistakenly believe it is due to poor hygiene. This is a myth. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that does not require douches, soaps, or perfumes.

In fact, the use of these products can alter vaginal pH. This increases vulnerability to BV and may produce a foul-smelling odor in itself.

Probiotics help the body grow beneficial bacteria. These can fight unhealthy bacteria and fungi, such as yeast. Natural probiotics can support the bacterial colony that keeps the vagina healthy. These include:. BV is the vaginal infection most likely to affect women between the ages of 15 and 44 years. BV may be present without symptoms, but if symptoms occur, they include vaginal discharge, burning, and itching. Between 50 and 75 percent of women with BV have no symptoms. BV alone is not considered harmful, but complications can arise.

Chorioamnionitis significantly increases the chance of an early delivery. If the newborn survives, they have a higher risk of cerebral palsy. BV also increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease PID , an infection and inflammation of the upper female genital tract that can have severe consequences, including infertility. Why this happens is not clear. It is different from candidiasis , a yeast infection, or Trichomonas vaginalis T. These are not caused by bacteria. All parts of the body have bacteria, but some are beneficial while others are harmful.

When there are too many harmful bacteria, problems can arise. BV occurs when the harmful bacteria grow in numbers. A vagina should contain bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria produce lactic acid, making the vagina slightly acidic. This prevents other bacteria from growing there.

Lower levels of lactobacilli may cause the vagina to become less acidic. If the vagina is not as acidic as it should be, this can give other bacteria the chance to grow and thrive.

However, exactly how these harmful bacteria are linked with BV is not known. Pelvic exam During a pelvic exam, your doctor inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. More Information Pelvic exam. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bacterial vaginosis — CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 22, Mayo Clinic; Pruthi S expert opinion.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Jan. Obstetrics and Gynecology. Reaffirmed