What You Have to Know
About Your Bacterial
Vaginosis Infection

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a condition that happens when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. This imbalance changes the normal microbiome in the vagina and can cause symptoms like itching, odor, and a thin greyish, green, or white vaginal discharge to be produced. It’s incredibly common—in fact, BV is the number one cause of vaginal symptoms in the US. Luckily, symptoms are simple to treat. This blog will cover the 5 things everyone with a vagina should know about this infection, and how to start treating bacterial vaginosis.

Causes

A normal, healthy vagina has mostly healthy bacteria and very few unhealthy bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis develops when the pH balance or level of acidity in your vagina is upset, allowing unhealthy bacteria to grow rapidly while destroying the healthy bacteria populations. While women who are sexually active are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis, researchers believe it isn’t spread via sex itself. Rather, it seems to be a side effect of sex introducing new and different kinds of bacteria into the vaginal environment. On the other hand, overcleaning the vagina with soap or douching may wash away or destroy healthy bacteria which can also cause the unbalance that leads to BV.

Signs and Symptoms

More than half of people with bacterial vaginosis don't know they have it. It’s common to be asymptomatic, or if symptoms are present, they are usually mild. Symptoms may include a strong smell, particularly after sex, a burning sensation when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, a thin white or gray vaginal discharge, or pain, itching, or burning in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is when a woman's reproductive system gets infected and may include infection of the uterus, tubes, ovaries, or even inside the lower belly (abdomen). Left untreated it can lead to infertility, so it’s important you start treating bacterial vaginosis as soon as you can.

Prevention

The best way to start treating bacterial vaginosis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Use a latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex. This may lower your chances of having this infection again. Avoid douches and fragrant soaps on the inside of your vulva—genital skin is very sensitive. One doctor-approved option? Wisp’s Balancing Wash! It’s specially formulated to be gentle and help you get clean while avoiding infections like BV. Another good option? Plain ol’ water. Keep using soap on the outside of your genital area and rinse your inner labia with regular warm water—this will keep you healthier than anything with strong fragrance or cleansers.

Another great way to prevent infection is to use Boric Acid. This simple suppository can be used as part of your regular routine, or just when you know you may be at risk for infection (like right after sex). Boric Acid has been used for hundreds of years to help maintain vaginal pH and balance of the vaginal environment to help stave off infection, especially if you know you're prone to BV.

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis

There are a few ways you can be treating bacterial vaginosis quickly. If you are given medicine in pill form, it is taken orally, however cream or gel versions are used directly inside the vagina. It is important to take all the prescribed medicine in the manner directed on the bottle, even if the signs and symptoms seem to go away beforehand. Finishing all the medication as directed will help keep the infection from returning. Order medication online and treat your bacterial vaginosis at home. Prescription Metronidazole is a safe and effective treatment for clearing chronic and first-time symptoms—without going to the doctor’s office. With Wisp, you don’t need health insurance for online bacterial vaginosis treatment either. Find prescription medication for treating bacterial vaginosis online with Wisp. Get the prescriptions you need, hassle free.

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