A 38-year-old member asked:
How do you get tested for bacterial vaginosis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Pappachenanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Wet mount: Your ob/gyn could do this basic test or there are other "send out" tests that can be done. Of course, a thorough history (e.g. Malodorous vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, etc...) and physical exam are the cornerstones of any diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?
6 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Bacterial vaginosis: Do you douche? If yes, stop. Have you been treated for it? Treatment options include metronidazole and clindamycin. Relapse treatment: prolonged course of oral or vaginal metronidazole
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Roy Arnold commented
Internal Medicine 49 years experience
Probiotic foods like yogurt, kimchee, sauerkraut and aged cheeses or probiotic supplements can help too.
May 11, 2015
Loveland, CO
A 49-year-old female asked:
If I have bacterial vaginosis, can my boyfriend get it?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Bacterial vaginosis: The causes of BV are mysterious. Most research shows no problem in the male sex partners of women with BV, and treatment of the partner makes no difference in chance of recurrent BV in women. OTOH, other data suggest that BV is sexually acquired some of the time. If your BV persists or recurs after treatment, plan on avoiding sex with your partner or consistent condoms for next few weeks. Gd luck!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
135 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
What to do if I got tested positive for bacterial vaginosis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jane Easonanswered
35 years experience
Bacterial vaginosis: BV is easy to treat with a short course of antibiotic. Up to 1/3 of non-pregnant women with BV will clear it spontaneously, without treatment. You should discuss with your physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Drexel Hill, PA
A female asked:
How do u get bacterial vaginosis?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Wayne Ingramanswered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Vaginal pH change: The vagina is kept at a pH(acidity/alkalinity) scale of 4.5 to 5.5.(mildly acidic) by Doderleins bacteria that are "native"(beneficial) to the vagina and maintain a rather constant pH. Several events can abnormally change the pH or kill the "good" bacteria, such as frequent douching, perfumed soap use, non-hygienic sexual partners, and unsanitary dildos. BV thrives on those situations.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
838 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Can you get bacterial vaginosis from your partner?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Reid Blackwelderanswered
Family Medicine 39 years experience
Yes...maybe: Bacterial vaginosis (bv) is usually caused by an imbalance in the bacterial population of the vagina, with more "bad" present than "good." we are not really sure the cause, one seems to be having a new sex partner, or having multiple partners. In general, having a monogamous relationship than has been ongoing for a while makes it less likely that the sex caused the bv.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Reid Blackwelder commented
Family Medicine 39 years experience
Provided original answer
You may be having a reaction to his semen. Not necessarily an allergy, but sometimes women acn be "allergic to their partner. You could try using a condom to see if that prevents the problem. Eating live yogurt cultures, or taking lactobacillus regularly (available over the counter) might help keep the good bacteria more balanced. Hope this helps
Jan 30, 2012
Last updated Mar 26, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.