what causes bacterial vaginosis?

3 Comments

1. Lebeautemps says:

   November 5, 2009 at 11:40 pm

   No one knows exactly why BV occurs, but there are things that make you more prone to infections and things which commonly cause the infections – things many women are not aware of;

   Sex – the more sex you have the greater the risk, there are aspects that make it more problematic, such as semen being a different pH to your vagina that effects the healthy flora within your vagina – some women find they are more prone to odour after sex and BV with certain partners, if sexually active try condoms to see if it helps. Things such as hands not being clean, not washing after sex, food play, all can contribute.

   Washing – washing too often is a problem, but a bigger problem is women using soaps to wash with. Anything like soap, washes, wipes, sprays, douching or powders can cause problems, they have a different pH to your vagina so that throws off healthy balance of bacteria, which can lead to infections. This is also true of ’so-called’ feminine washes, these claim to be pH balanced, but balanced to what? For a start the vagina is naturally acidic so soaps are going to be a different pH, every woman has a different vaginal pH, and their vaginal pH changes as hormones change, so it is impossible for any product to match your vaginal pH. Your vagina is self-cleaning, all you ever need to use is plain water to wash with and your hands to wipe away dirt from your vulva. Watch out for other sources of chemicals near your vagina such as washing powders, bubble baths, some lubricants may also cause problems.

   Menstrual products – tampons are very well known for causing problems because they prevent vaginal cleaning, absorb vaginal fluids, encourage massive bacterial growth, and commercial brands like Tampax contain chemicals and bleach that effect vaginal pH. Pads and liners can be a problem too if you use commercial brands like Always, these not only have chemicals and bleach, but also because of synthetics and plastics they prevent air getting to your genitals, making the area warm and moist so perfect for bacteria and yeast. Even if you don’t have problems during your period these products will cause imbalance, then the slightest thing could tip things over the edge. If you use tampons switch to menstrual cups or softcups as these are far healthier and more hygienic than tampons, they are also more convenient, comfortable and reliable so far better than tampons in general. If you really don’t want to give up tampons try cotton tampons like Cottons or Natracare instead which are free form synthetics, chemicals and bleach so healthier. For pads and liners either use cotton, or use cloth such as Lunapads, these don’t contain chemicals, they also allow your vagina to ‘breathe’ keeping your genitals dry, cool, and comfortable too.

   General rules apply too, avoiding tight or synthetic clothing, white cotton panties are love, wipe from front to back, keep clean and dry, if you work in offices then remember those seats are gross and sitting all day will make your groin warm so walk about from time to time. Safe sex, watch out for some condoms or lubricants causing problems, also watch your partners hygiene – as a note BV is not classed as an STI, however it can be passed from partner to partner, so the idea of using condoms may also help there, but get your partner tested too. Try keeping up vaginal health by using plain pro-biotic yogurt, eating and inserting it into your vagina, as messy as it might be the yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium that also happens to be found in healthy vaginas – you can also get tablets that contain this bacterium that may help, look in a health food store as they will stock these tablets and it might be helpful to you.
2. Tomb Raider says:

   November 5, 2009 at 11:40 pm

   A good site to learn about this is http://www.webmd.com,just type it in the search bar,it will show you all you need to know about this condition,hope this is of some help to you.