Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that affects 30% of women (an estimated number of 21 million women in the USA every year). Unfortunately, bacterial vaginosis usually comes back after an antibiotic treatment (the only treatments currently available from doctors). In fact, 50% of women will get BV even after treating it with antibiotic. Bacterial vaginosis can easily turn into a recurring chronic infection for many women.

Here at V-Luxe, we help women who are dealing with recurring BV, yeast infections, and UTIs. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the things us women can do to stop recurring BV (bacterial vaginosis).

First, it’s important to understand what causes recurring bacterial vaginosis. Our vagina hosts many types of bacteria, some of them are good and some are bad, but they all live in harmony. The good bacteria (probiotics) has an important role! The good bacteria produces lactic acid – an acid that keeps our vaginal pH level between 3.5 – 4.5 (this is a healthy pH level). This acidic environment prevents bad bacteria from overgrowing.

However, when something causes the pH level to shift and increase, the bad bacteria can overgrow, create biofilm (a network of film that makes it hard for the antibiotics to destroy), and that’s how women get BV. The key in stopping recurring BV is by keeping the vaginal pH level between 3.5 – 4.5.

Here are the most common things that can cause your pH level to increase:

• Lack of good bacteria. Like we said earlier, good bacteria makes a natural defense system for us women by creating lactic acid. Lack of good bacteria can happen from taking antibiotics (the most common treatment for BV), diet, and even stress! The best way to get your daily dosage of good bacteria is by taking a probiotic supplement. V-Luxe probiotics are high potency, rich in clinically proven good bacteria that has been formulated to survive stomach acid and assist women with preventing recurring BV, yeast infections, and UTIs.
• Tight clothes. While airy clothes let your vajayjay breathe, tight clothes do the opposite. They trap sweat and moisture in your vagina and make the perfect environment for bad bacteria to reproduce and take over. A great rule of thumb is to wear 95% cotton underwear, change clothes immediately after a workout or swim session, and try to avoid tight leggings and jeans as much as possible or at least not wear them for long periods of time.
• Diet. Bad bacteria love sugar, caffeine can dehydrate your vagina, dairy and fat may be linked to vaginal infections as well. Eating healthy could be challenge, but do your best to include as many fruits and vegetables as you can. Eating an orange in the morning can give you loads of energy and help you drink less coffee. Using an air fryer can reduce the amount of oil in your food, and cooking at home will not only save you money, but also heavily reduce the amount of bad fat and butter you consume when eating out. Start by making small changes and slowly progress from them.
• Birth control. While some women swear by their birth control, it’s important to note that they may be linked to recurring BV and switching your birth control may be the solution to stop recurring BV and yeast infections. Hormonal birth control can cause an imbalance of your pH level, allowing bad bacteria to take over. IUDs can cause heavy periods and since blood is alkaline, it can contribute to your BV coming back. Most condoms are pre-lubed, their lube is probably not pH friendly and can also make your BV pay you a visit. If you notice an increase in bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections after starting to use a new birth control, consider switching them to try something else. You can purchase lube free condoms and use a pH friendly lube so you know exactly what goes into your body.
• Douching. While douching is usually done at an attempt to keep the vajayjay clean, it is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Douching interrupts your vaginal natural pH level and can throw it off balance. Only wash the outside of your vagina with warm running water. Thankfully, the vajayjay is self cleaning!

We hope you enjoyed this reading on how to stop recurring BV (bacterial vaginosis). The V-Luxe team is here to help if you have any questions at all about BV and vaginal health!