What to do if bacterial vaginosis recurs

Recurrent bacterial vaginosis can be treated by keeping the perineum clean, avoiding excessive douching, standardizing medication, adjusting the microecological balance, and enhancing immunity. Bacterial vaginosis is usually caused by vaginal flora imbalance, low immunity, frequent sexual intercourse, long-term use of antibiotics, and poor control of diabetes.

1. Keep the perineum clean

Wash your vulva daily with warm water and avoid using alkaline lotions or soaps. Choose breathable cotton underwear and change them daily, washing them and drying them in the sun. Pay attention to cleanliness before and after sex to avoid cross-infection. Improper cleaning may lead to overproduction of pathogenic bacteria and aggravate symptoms such as increased secretions and odor.

2. Avoid excessive flushing

The vagina has a self-cleaning function, and frequent washing will destroy the acidic environment dominated by lactobacilli. It is recommended to stop using the vaginal douche and only clean the vulva. Excessive douching may cause the vaginal pH value to increase, induce the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella, and cause gray-white thin secretions.

3. Standardize medication

Use metronidazole vaginal gel, clindamycin phosphate vaginal suppository, nifuratel nystatin vaginal soft capsules and other drugs during the foot therapy as directed by the doctor. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and the spouse needs to take metronidazole tablets by mouth at the same time. Unauthorized discontinuation of medication can easily lead to drug resistance, which is manifested as symptom relief after medication but relapse within a short period of time.

4. Adjust microecological balance

After treatment, lactic acid bacteria vaginal capsules can be used to supplement probiotics, and oral probiotic preparations such as Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria capsules can be used to assist in regulation. Avoid wearing tight pants or pads for long periods of time to reduce moisture in the perineum. When the flora is imbalanced, discomfort such as burning sensation in the vulva or pain during intercourse may occur.

5. Enhance immunity

Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day, and supplement with appropriate amounts of vitamin C tablets and protein powder. Perform aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, etc. 3-5 times a week. To control blood sugar levels, patients with diabetes need to monitor glycated hemoglobin. When immunity is low, it is easy to be complicated by Candida infection and produce bean dregs-like secretions.

During repeated attacks, vaginal microecological testing needs to be reviewed, and bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing performed if necessary. Increase the intake of fermented foods such as yogurt and natto in your diet, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Use condoms during treatment to block the spread of pathogens. After symptoms disappear, you still need to consolidate treatment for 1-2 courses. If there are more than three attacks within six months, complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or cervicitis need to be ruled out.