Why Did I Get Bacterial Vaginosis? - Bacterial Vaginosis Causes - And How to Prevent it
When you first get diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, it may come as a relief.
Now you know what was causing the smell and discharge, and it wasn't as serious an infection as an STD or PID.
But at the same time, you wonder, how did I get this infection, and what can I do to prevent it? Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a imbalance in your vaginal chemistry.
Put simply, your bad bacteria (anaerobic) have multiplied, while the good bacteria (lactobacilli) have decreased in number.
Researchers have not yet pinpointed the exact bacteria that cause the infection, but they believe it is a combination of several types of anaerobic bacteria.
Also, the pH in your vagina has increased from the normal acidic state of 3.
5-4.
5 to a not so acidic state of above 4.
5.
This creates the environment in which the bad bacteria thrive.
So what causes this change in chemistry? The introduction of anything into your body that changes your normal pH level can lead to this infection.
This can come through diet, having sex, giving birth, medication, or even getting your period.
You can also get an overgrowth in bad bacteria following a urinary tract infection, wearing a wet bathing suit, or wiping back to front after using the bathroom.
How do you prevent reinfection? First, take your entire course of antibiotics.
Then, make sure to wipe front to back, wash with gentle soap, and avoid wearing a wet bathing suit.
Wear cotton underwear to help the area breathe, and avoid tight fitting clothing.
Have yearly exams to make sure you stay healthy, and avoid having multiple sex partners.
Now you know what was causing the smell and discharge, and it wasn't as serious an infection as an STD or PID.
But at the same time, you wonder, how did I get this infection, and what can I do to prevent it? Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a imbalance in your vaginal chemistry.
Put simply, your bad bacteria (anaerobic) have multiplied, while the good bacteria (lactobacilli) have decreased in number.
Researchers have not yet pinpointed the exact bacteria that cause the infection, but they believe it is a combination of several types of anaerobic bacteria.
Also, the pH in your vagina has increased from the normal acidic state of 3.
5-4.
5 to a not so acidic state of above 4.
5.
This creates the environment in which the bad bacteria thrive.
So what causes this change in chemistry? The introduction of anything into your body that changes your normal pH level can lead to this infection.
This can come through diet, having sex, giving birth, medication, or even getting your period.
You can also get an overgrowth in bad bacteria following a urinary tract infection, wearing a wet bathing suit, or wiping back to front after using the bathroom.
How do you prevent reinfection? First, take your entire course of antibiotics.
Then, make sure to wipe front to back, wash with gentle soap, and avoid wearing a wet bathing suit.
Wear cotton underwear to help the area breathe, and avoid tight fitting clothing.
Have yearly exams to make sure you stay healthy, and avoid having multiple sex partners.
