Can BV go away on its own?

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that may cause a fishy-smelling discharge. It’s usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it’s a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.

What does the start of BV feel like?

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling “fishy” vaginal odor. Vaginal itching.

How can I test myself for BV?

A person can test for BV using a home testing kit, which they can often purchase online or at a local pharmacy. Individuals should speak with their doctor if they receive a positive result from any at-home test.

What can be mistaken for BV?

Sometimes, there are no symptoms with BV at all. Other times, BV symptoms can be mistaken for other problems such as UTI, yeast infection or other causes of pelvic infections such as Trichomonas, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.

How long can BV be left untreated?

Left untreated, BV can cause low–birth-weight babies (less than 5.5 pounds) and premature delivery. To treat BV, your health care provider may prescribe either oral antibiotics or topical antibiotics, which are inserted into the vagina. Unfortunately, despite treatment, BV can recur within three to 12 months.

What happens if BV left untreated?

Complications of Bacterial Vaginosis

If left untreated, BV can increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. It also can cause other problems (such as having a low-birth-weight baby or premature rupture of the membranes) during pregnancy.

Can Monistat cure BV?

Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter products like Monistat that will do the trick. (Monistat is a treatment for yeast infections—it won’t do anything to stop the itching and clear up your condition if what you really have is BV.)

How do I know if I have BV or yeast infection?

With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that’s grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it’s also common for BV to have no symptoms.)

Do I need antibiotics for BV?

The condition is not usually serious, but you’ll need to be treated with antibiotics if you do have BV. It’s also important to seek treatment if you’re pregnant as there’s a small chance that BV can cause complications with pregnancy.

Does cranberry juice help with BV?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms. Complete prevention of BV is not possible, however, there are a number of factors to be considered when attempting to reduce the risk of BV.

Is BV itchy?

Symptoms – The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal, odorous vaginal discharge. The fish-like odor is noticeable especially after intercourse. Women with BV also may have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both.

What does BV discharge look like?

The main symptom of BV is lots of thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. The discharge may be white, dull gray, greenish, and/or foamy. The fishy smell is often more noticeable after vaginal sex.