How Poor Hygiene Can Lead to BV in Women and What to Do About It

When I first heard about bacterial vaginosis (BV), I didn’t even realize it was as common as it is—especially among women who consider themselves generally healthy. But here’s the thing: BV doesn’t discriminate. One of the biggest misconceptions I had (and that many women still have) was thinking that poor hygiene must be to blame. If you’ve been wondering whether not showering enough, using the wrong products, or just having an “off” week in your hygiene routine could lead to BV, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down, minus the judgment.

Can Poor Hygiene Really Cause BV?

BV isn’t an infection in the way most people think of infections. It’s more of a bacterial imbalance. Your vagina has a delicate ecosystem filled with both good and bad bacteria. Normally, the good bacteria (mainly Lactobacilli) keep everything in check. When something disturbs that balance, the bad bacteria overgrow—and that’s when BV shows up.

Now, does that mean poor hygiene is a direct cause? Not exactly, but it plays a role in ways you might not expect.

Overcleaning vs. Undercleaning

Ironically, most women I know who have dealt with BV weren’t neglecting hygiene. In fact, they were often overdoing it. Scented soaps, vaginal washes, douching (yes, it’s still a thing), and even frequent use of panty liners can all throw off that natural balance.

• Overcleaning strips away healthy bacteria, making it easier for anaerobic bacteria to take over.
• Undercleaning, on the other hand, especially during menstruation or after sweating, can allow bacteria to build up externally and migrate inward.

So technically, it’s not about poor hygiene—it’s about the wrong kind of hygiene.

Common Hygiene Habits That May Disrupt Vaginal Flora

Here’s where my personal experience kicked in. I used to think the more “fresh” I felt, the better. But I was unknowingly using products that threw everything off. A few habits that can increase the risk of BV:

1. Using scented body washes or soaps near the vagina
2. Douching with over-the-counter products
3. Wearing tight, synthetic underwear for long hours
4. Changing pads or tampons infrequently
5. Not cleaning sex toys properly

If you’re wondering how hygiene habits influence BV risk, this in-depth article on hygiene habits that cause BV breaks it down perfectly.

Why Clean Isn’t Always Best

We’ve been conditioned to think of the vagina as something that needs constant cleaning, but here’s the truth—it’s self-cleaning. It really is. All it needs is gentle cleansing externally with water or mild unscented soap. Anything more aggressive can destroy the pH balance.

According to CDC, around 84% of women with BV don’t even know they have it. That’s because it can often be mistaken for just a minor imbalance or irritation. But those little signs—unusual discharge, a fishy odor, irritation—can be clues that the bacterial balance is off. And yes, aggressive hygiene practices are one of the major culprits.

Stress and Lifestyle Also Play a Role

In my case, stress was a big trigger. I was staying up late, skipping meals, and barely drinking water. It might sound unrelated, but stress compromises immune function and can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. Even something like post-period irritation from pads can cause microtears and imbalance. If you’re curious, check out how stress might contribute to BV.

Hygiene Tips That Actually Help

After a few frustrating flare-ups, I finally sat down and re-evaluated my hygiene routine. Here are a few things I changed—and that many gynecologists recommend as well:

• Switch to 100% cotton underwear: It breathes better and reduces moisture buildup.
• Use unscented, gentle soap: Only externally, and sparingly.
• Avoid daily liners unless absolutely necessary.
• Rinse thoroughly after workouts, especially in hot climates.
• Stay hydrated and eat fermented foods rich in probiotics.

If you want a deeper dive into prevention strategies, check out this trusted guide on BV prevention tips.

What About Sexual Hygiene?

Let’s not ignore this one—sexual hygiene matters. BV isn’t technically an STI, but sexual activity can definitely influence it. Things like unprotected sex, new partners, or not urinating after sex can contribute to imbalance. Even semen has a high pH that can interfere with vaginal flora.

This article on BV and sexual activity dives deeper into how to be smart and safe while still enjoying intimacy.

For the full picture of how BV works—beyond hygiene—this pillar guide on BV causes and risk factors is a solid place to start. And for a broader understanding, don’t miss the main BV resource page that ties it all together with accurate, research-backed info.

Misconceptions That Still Won’t Die

One thing that still surprises me? How many people—even in healthcare—still think BV only happens to women who aren’t “clean.” It’s a stereotype that needs to go. I’ve had conversations with women who felt ashamed to even ask their doctor about symptoms. Some were hesitant to talk to their partners, thinking it reflected poorly on them. But BV isn’t about being “dirty”—it’s about biology, lifestyle, and yes, sometimes even the products marketed as “feminine care.”

One of the most common myths I see online is that BV is just a sexually transmitted infection. While it can be influenced by sexual activity, it’s not considered an STI. You can be completely celibate and still get BV. That’s why understanding the real symptoms of BV is more important than making assumptions.

The Clean Vaginal Myth

Here’s the tricky part: companies have made billions selling women the idea that our vaginas need to smell like a garden. I fell into that trap once. I used a peach-scented wash that promised a “fresh feeling all day.” It didn’t take long for me to notice irritation and a weird discharge. Sound familiar?

Products with artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals disrupt your vaginal microbiome. Even “natural” essential oils like tea tree can be too aggressive if not used correctly. Curious about alternatives? I explored a few in this article on tea tree oil for BV—spoiler: use with caution and always diluted.

What to Do If You Suspect Hygiene-Linked BV

So what should you actually do if you think your hygiene habits may have triggered BV? The good news is, BV is treatable. Often, it clears up with proper antibiotics. But the bigger win comes from adjusting your habits to prevent future flare-ups.

If you’re unsure whether it’s BV or something else, self-diagnosis tools are available, but honestly—nothing replaces a visit to your gynecologist. I learned this the hard way. I misread symptoms once, thinking it was a yeast infection, and ended up making things worse with OTC meds.

When to See a Doctor

Here are a few signs that you should book an appointment:

• Persistent or strong vaginal odor (often described as “fishy”)
• Unusual discharge that’s thin, gray, or watery
• Vaginal irritation, especially after intimacy
• Frequent recurrences even after treatment

In case you’re wondering whether home tests are reliable, some are, but false negatives are common. It’s better to get a swab test at a clinic. For a deeper look, here’s a guide on how BV is diagnosed.

Resetting Your Hygiene Routine

If there’s one thing I wish I’d done sooner, it’s simplifying my hygiene routine. We don’t need a dozen products or special routines. What your vagina needs most is a balanced, breathable environment.

Here are some simple swaps that worked wonders for me:

1. Switched to fragrance-free laundry detergent for underwear and towels
2. Used a handheld bidet instead of wipes with chemicals
3. Stopped wearing underwear to bed to reduce moisture buildup
4. Replaced synthetic thongs with high-quality cotton briefs

And I can’t stress enough—no matter how good a product smells, if it doesn’t belong inside your vagina, skip it. A lot of the healing came from just letting my body do what it’s designed to do. Supporting it instead of fighting it.

Eating for Balance

This might sound off-topic, but your diet affects your vaginal health more than you think. I noticed a difference after cutting back on sugar and processed carbs. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut became my go-tos.

If you’re curious about the food connection, the guide on foods that support vaginal flora is a good place to start.

Long-Term Habits That Make a Difference

BV might be common, but it doesn’t have to be recurring. Once I got a handle on the triggers and dropped the “squeaky clean” mentality, things improved drastically. That said, it’s not a one-and-done kind of fix. BV can relapse—especially if your hygiene or habits slide back into old patterns.

This article on long-term BV prevention helped me make changes that actually stuck. No gimmicks—just honest, medically sound advice.

And remember, prevention isn’t just about avoiding the wrong hygiene habits. It’s about choosing habits that work with your body—not against it. Start small, be consistent, and don’t believe everything you see in an ad.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into treatment options, or explore holistic solutions, Healthusias has tons of trusted, research-backed resources. And if you’re just starting to learn about BV, the main overview guide is the best place to get grounded.

Gwenna Aazee

Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.