Bacterial vaginosis symptoms may begin right after sex, so prevention is crucial to avoid developing this disease.
The best way to protect yourself from bacterial vaginosis is to prevent the entry of semen. You should also avoid using harsh soaps or douches. Finally, try to avoid oral-genital contact. In addition to the above tips, there are several other ways to prevent the infection.
Avoiding douches
The risk of bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is significantly higher in women who engage in sexual activity. This infection is not transmitted from partner to partner and can occur if the vagina has a disturbed balance of bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis can be prevented by avoiding douches after sex, using a condom, and limiting sex partners.
A douche, which can also be called a soak, is a method for cleaning the vagina after sex. It is generally made of water and vinegar, although some commercial brands contain antiseptics and fragrances. The product is sprayed through a tube into the vagina. Although douching may be beneficial, few studies support its benefits. However, it is still important to remember that this practice disturbs the normal bacterial balance in the vagina.
Using a douche to clean the vagina after sex is a poor hygiene practice. It can also increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The National Women’s Health Information Center notes that women who regularly douche have a higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. In addition, douching decreases fertility and can increase the risk of low birth weight babies.
Avoiding harsh soaps
To avoid BV, avoid using overly-scented feminine hygiene products and avoiding bathing with strong soaps. BV is a condition that results from an imbalance between harmful and helpful bacteria in the vagina. Certain factors increase the risk of BV, including having multiple partners or a change of sexual partner. While BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, it can cause other medical complications and can lead to pregnancy or fertility issues. In addition to its embarrassing appearance, BV symptoms can mimic other ailments.
For the best results, avoid harsh soaps after sexual intercourse. They contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and dry out infected areas. For the best results, use a mild hand soap and water instead. For the best results, rinse your vagina with warm water after using an antibacterial product. You may also want to avoid scented products, as they can cause an infection.
Avoiding sex toys
Sharing sex toys is a common way to transfer bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This can lead to bacterial vaginosis, a complication that increases the risk of an STD. The bacterial imbalance in the vagina can cause itching, odor, and burning during or after sex. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the chances of developing a bacterial infection, such as avoiding sex toys and using condoms.
Although the exact cause of BV is not fully understood, it is generally associated with multiple sex partners and is rarely present in women who have never had intercourse. Signs and symptoms of BV include an abnormal vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell and is thin and white. Some women also experience burning during urination and itching around the vagina.
Avoiding oral-genital contact
If you’re concerned about the possibility of BV, you should avoid oral-genital contact after sexual activity. The bacteria that causes BV can be passed from one partner to another, but men can’t get it. If you think you may have BV, you should talk to your partner about treatment options. In general, you should avoid oral-genital contact for at least a month after sexual activity.
Bacteriotherapy is a natural treatment for BV, but there are fewer data on its efficacy. Although LB can decrease the amount of “bad” bacteria in the vagina, it can’t completely eradicate them. Moreover, women who have BV after sexual activity are more likely to develop the infection again. In such cases, they should avoid vaginal douches and feminine hygiene products.