HOW TO KEEP HER AWESOME

Learn about a BV Treatment

Of course you want to keep your vagina in prime shape. But some of the things you might be doing could actually be harmful. Learning the right habits and ditching old ones may help her stay healthy.

KEEPING HER AWESOME

Let's sort through some of the things you should be doing to keep your vagina healthy—and as awesome as ever:

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DOUCHING & SCENTED SOAP ARE NO-NOS

If you really need to wash, focus only on the outside (the vulva) and do not use products with lots of fragrance.1 Douching has long been associated with BV.2

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DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF
OB/GYN VISITS

Your annual exam is often the only time a professional gets to examine your vagina.3 It's an opportunity to ask about anything: from birth control to how to test for STIs. Side note: Learn why STDs are now called STIs! Feeling tongue-tied? We've got a Discussion Guide ready.

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BE SMART ABOUT SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

Certain types of sexual intercourse may increase your risk for BV.2 When you move from anal to vaginal sex, make sure your vagina, the penis, or sex toys are clean, or use new condoms. If you don't you might expose your vagina to unwelcome visitors—bacteria from the anal tract—which can increase her risk of infection.3 Yikes!

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USE CONDOMS

Besides preventing pregnancy and the spread of STIs, condoms can help good bacteria survive, which help keep the vagina at its ideal pH.4 Studies have shown that condom use is associated with a decreased risk of BV.2,4

PREPPING FOR A VISIT TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

It's normal to feel nervous before a checkup. Rest assured, your healthcare provider has probably seen, heard, and treated it all before! But here are some tips to help you have a successful visit.

GET COMFY

Keep in mind you'll probably have to strip down for a complete checkup, like a routine breast or pelvic exam. Sweatpants may be more comfortable to slip in and out of, and socks can help when it's time to get in the stirrups.5

PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS

Creating a list of concerns and/or questions can help you feel confident about your visit. If you need some tips, check out our Discussion Guide.

KNOW YOUR CYCLE

If you've noticed some major changes in your cycle, it's important to share that with your doctor. An irregular cycle may be the sign of a pelvic infection, or you might need to consider changing your method of birth control.6

SEE (OR SMELL) SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING

Healthcare providers may see evidence of an infection during a pelvic exam, but it's possible that you've been experiencing something that's not outwardly visible. Mentioning everything can help your healthcare provider better determine which tests to run.5

REMEMBER, YOU NEED AN EXPERT

Women often attempt to self-treat what they think is a yeast infection but, in fact, is often BV.7 A healthcare professional can evaluate the vaginal area and prescribe the correct treatment.8 If it is BV, there are effective treatments to help you get her feeling awesome again.

Not sure if something's up down there? Find out if it's BV—the most common vaginal infection in adult women.8 We've also got a handy Discussion Guide with tips on how to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

76% of women with bv pie chart

would have gone to see their healthcare provider sooner if they were aware of the risks associated with BV if left untreated.9

*SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Survey conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) within the United States between September 14 and 29, 2017 among 304 US women aged 18-49 who have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with bacterial vaginosis (BV) within the past 2 years ("women with bacterial vaginosis"). Figures for age, income, race/ethnicity, region, education, and size of household were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.9

SUPPORT FROM OUR FRIENDS

There's no such thing as too much support. If you'd like to do some more reading on how to support your health down there, check out these additional feminine health-friendly websites:

TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Take charge of your treatment plan! Get a helpful guide with questions to ask and ways to prepare for a visit with your healthcare provider.

SHOW REFERENCES

  • Kumar N, Behera B, Sagiri SS, Pal K, Ray SS, Roy S. Bacterial vaginosis: etiology and modalities of treatment—a brief note. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(4):496-503. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.90102. Accessed September 18, 2017.
  • Lewis FM, Bernstein KT, Aral SO. Vaginal microbiome and its relationship to behavior, sexual health, and sexually transmitted diseases. Obstet Gynecol. 2017(4);129:643-654. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001932.
  • Oerman A. 11 ways to keep your vagina happy and healthy. www.womenshealthmag.com/health/healthy-vagina. Accessed September 25, 2017
  • Ma L, Lu Zhi, Su J, Wang J, Yan D, Wei J, Pei S. Consistent Condom Use Increases the Colonization of Lactobacillus crispatus in the Vagina. PLoS ONE. 2013. 8(7): e70716. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070716. Accessed August 8, 2019.
  • Formichelli L. Have your best gyno visit ever. www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306687,00.html.
  • Mayo Clinic. Menstrual cycle: what's normal, what's not. www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186?pg=2. Accessed September 25, 2017.
  • Baraia ZA, Abdallah IM, Noor SA. Impact of educational program about self-care practices on the relieving of vaginal infection among high risk women in Ismailia City. IOSR J Nurs Health Sci. 2017;6(3):73-78.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. Accessed May 24, 2019.
  • Bacterial Vaginosis Survey - Patients & Healthcare Professionals, Harris Insights & Analytics. Survey conducted September 14-29, 2017.