Talking about sex can feel awkward. Learn 5 ways to discuss consent, boundaries, STI testing, pregnancy, and more with your...
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Same Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
Since you don’t test for BV as part of your regular STI testing (read more below), you may be unfamiliar with it. We’re here to help with that.
Bacterial Vaginosis (also called BV) is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vaginal area. We all have various types of ‘good’ bacteria growing in our vaginal area. These bacteria can be helpful in maintaining our vaginal pH and can even help ward off infection. Sometimes there is an imbalance of ‘good’ vs. ‘bad’ bacteria and BV can be the result.
It can develop when the bacterial environment of the vagina changes. This can happen when:
This is tricky. Women and men generally do NOT transmit BV back and forth. However, being sexually active automatically makes women more likely to get it. Also, some studies do show that women can spread the bacteria to other women.
It is important to remember that you can NOT get it from:
BV is NOT a sexually transmitted infection, but those who are sexually active are more likely to get it, especially if intercourse is unprotected. It is not spread during sexual intercourse between women and men, but it IS more common in those who are sexually active.
Unprotected intercourse can change the bacterial environment in your vagina, which can lead to BV. Also, having multiple partners can increase your odds of developing it.
There are NO ‘at home’ treatments; the only way to get rid of it is to use antibiotics.
🧠Key Point: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in a pill form, or he or she may prescribe a cream or gel form of antibiotic for vaginal administration. It is important to complete your full course of antibiotics. If you do not take your antibiotic as prescribed, it is likely you will still have BV or have a recurrence of the infection.
For a list of things you can do, and things you should not do to relieve symptoms and prevent BV from returning, check here.
If left untreated, or if improperly treated, BV can result in:
While we don’t treat BV here at Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, we do provide STI testing for:
All STI testing at Alcove Health includes a lab-grade pregnancy test, and all services are free and confidential. Call or click the button below to request your appointment today:
📍Alcove Health Women’s Clinic – 11101 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
📞Call or visit our appointment page to request your free and confidential appointment today.
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