Healthy vaginas come with bacteria in them, but, changes in the balance of different kinds of bacteria in the vagina leads to BV.
1. What causes BV?
Ans : bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection. It occurs when different kinds of healthy bacteria in the vagina get out of balance and grow too much. It is often caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, the most common type of bacteria in the vagina.
2. Is BV a sexually transmitted disease?
Ans : No, BV is not a sexually transmitted disease. Although having sex with multiple partners, may increase one’s risk for BV.
3. I am highly aware of hygiene and cleanliness so why do I have BV ?
Ans : the cause of BV is not poor hygiene. Excessive vaginal cleansing can be a contributing factor for the cause of BV, by disturbing the balance of the bacteria in the vagina. Avoid using bath oils, detergent and bubble bath.
4. Is it dangerous to have BV whilst pregnant ?
Ans : it’s best and necessary to seek medical advice if one has BV whilst pregnant. This is because, it can increase one’s risk of developing some complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth, miscarriage and infections in the uterus after delivery.
5. How do I treat BV ?
Ans : BV is usually treated with antibiotics either pills to swallow, or cream to apply on the vagina. The most common antibiotics for BV are metronidazole and clindamycin.
NOTE : make sure to use medicine as prescribed by a doctor.
