There are many causes of Bacterial Vaginosis, but please know that it is not an STD! In fact, doctors are unsure of exactly what causes BV but we do know that certain factors can influence the likelihood that you will develop BV such as:
What we do understand is that BV is often triggered by an imbalanced PH of the vagina.
PH BALANCE
Healthy vaginas have a PH of about 3.5 to 4.5. Blood from your period (7.4) can throw this off balance, in addition to semen (8). See the chart below for a visual representation of vaginal PH balances:
- multiple sex partners or a new sex partner
- unprotected sex (some claim that even sex with a condom can still trigger BV)
- your period
- smoking
- douching
What we do understand is that BV is often triggered by an imbalanced PH of the vagina.
PH BALANCE
Healthy vaginas have a PH of about 3.5 to 4.5. Blood from your period (7.4) can throw this off balance, in addition to semen (8). See the chart below for a visual representation of vaginal PH balances:
If you forgot your high school science, acidic solutions have a lower PH of below 7, while basic or alkaline solutions have a higher PH above 7. Water is considered "neutral" with a PH of 7. So, a healthy vagina should be on the acidic side to ward off bacteria and infections.
Please share any other BV triggers that you have noticed in the comments below!
I have asthma so I am constantly on steroids. Steroids reeks havoc on the body mood swings weight gain, excessive sweating. ..this list goes on. It can cause bv.so im well aware of the bv struggle.
ReplyDeleteUgh, it's good to know you're not alone! Hopefully you can find a BV cure that works for you. Thanks for reading :)
DeleteDoes anyone known if birth control pills can cause bv?
ReplyDeleteI have an IUD and I've never had BV and didn't even know what it was until I got the IUD. Apparently having one makes you more prone to getting BV. Thinking of having mine removed :/
ReplyDeleteSame situation here.. It's like it won't go away
DeleteApparently so does menopause or HRT. What a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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