If you are one of the lucky women, your case of bacterial vaginosis (BV) clears up without the need for any treatment, while many women require treatments to quickly clear up the condition. However, despite medical assistance, remedies and antibiotics – some women face chronic bacterial vaginosis. In fact, 1 out of 3 treated women battle a recurrence of the condition with symptoms repeating within 12 months.
Reasons Why Women Have Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis
It is unclear why there are a high number of recurrent infections that develop after a successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis. What is known is the main reason behind a reoccurrence – an unbalanced level of vaginal flora. A handful of lifestyle habits and personal choices are contributing factors to the imbalance, such as:
a) Clothing Choices:
The kind of environment and level of irritation regarding the vaginal region can cause a reoccurrence of bacterial vaginosis, such as tight-fitting clothing. This is why many women experience a recurring bout of BV during the summertime – when bathing suit weather emerges [1].
b) Chemicals:
The chemicals found in laundry detergents and some sanitary products can cause irritation to the vaginal area.
c) Too Much Sugar:
Consuming too much sugar can alter the pH level of the vagina. As a result, helpful bacteria are destroyed and harmful bacteria are allowed to thrive.
d) Poor Diet:
Eating too much fast food or overly processed foods can contribute to chronic bacterial vaginosis. If you’re not getting enough vegetables in your diet, you may face an increased chance of reoccurrence.
e) Antibiotics:
Certain antibiotics with side effects that influence the vaginal flora can promote chronic bacterial vaginosis.
f) Sexual Activity:
The act of sexual intercourse does not cause bacterial vaginosis (because it is not a sexually transmitted disease).However, having multiple partners can contribute to a recurrence of the condition. Some believe that everyone possesses their own flora, and combining the flora from multiple sex partners can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora. Also, the types of anaerobic bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can compromise vaginal flora. When the bacteria reproduce, your chances of a reoccurrence increase.
When recurring symptoms arise, it is in your best interest to follow-up with a second course of antibiotics.
Risks of Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis
Chronic bacterial vaginosis can increase your risk of:
• Developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Reducing or eliminating the chances of becoming pregnant
• Seriously damaging the fallopian tubes
• Suffering ectopic pregnancies
• Contracting HIV from an infected partner
• Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) and venereal warts
Pregnant women with chronic bacterial vaginosis face more severe complications that can affect the birth of their child. The main concerns include an increased chance of preterm labor, miscarriages, overall pregnancy complications, and delivering a baby with a low birth weight [2].
Reduce the Risk of Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis
To prevent a reoccurrence of bacterial vaginosis, there are many different approaches to consider, including home and natural remedies. For example, consider increasing your daily consumption of green vegetables to alkalize the body. Eating four or more servings of green vegetables can help prevent chronic bacterial vaginosis. Other ways to decrease your risk of reoccurrence is learning effective de-stressing techniques, eating yogurt with probiotics, and quitting smoking.
Resources
[1] http://www.owningpink.com/blogs/whats-up-down-there-blog/treatment-chronic-bacterial-vaginosis
[2] http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/bacterialvaginoses.htm
