Proven Ways To Keep BV Under Control And Avoid Recurrence

If you’ve ever dealt with bacterial vaginosis (BV), you probably know just how annoying it can be. For me, it started in college—suddenly, things just didn’t feel right “down there”. After seeing my OB-GYN and doing way too much Googling, I realized BV wasn’t something you just treat once and forget about. It likes to come back. A lot. So over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two (okay, a lot) about how to keep BV under control without letting it take over my life. If you’re navigating the same thing, let’s talk—casually but seriously—about what works.

Understanding What You’re Dealing With

BV isn’t an STD, and it’s not really an infection in the classic sense. It’s an imbalance. When the healthy bacteria in your vagina—mostly lactobacilli—get outnumbered by the “bad guys” (anaerobic bacteria), BV symptoms show up: that unmistakable fishy odor, grayish discharge, and overall discomfort. Sounds fun, right?

What makes it frustrating is how easily the balance can tip again. Even if you’ve nailed the treatment once, there’s no lifetime guarantee it won’t come back. That’s why focusing on how to keep BV under control—not just how to treat it—is the real win.

Re-Evaluating Hygiene Habits

This was my first mistake. Like a lot of people, I thought more cleaning = better. Nope. Douching, using scented soaps, or scrubbing aggressively actually strips away the good bacteria and opens the door for BV to stroll in. According to this breakdown on hygiene-related BV risks, even the wrong kind of underwear (hi, non-breathable synthetics) can be a problem.

• Stick to unscented, pH-balanced cleansers
• Avoid bubble baths and harsh feminine sprays
• Always wipe front to back—yes, it matters

Changing these habits alone reduced my flare-ups drastically. It wasn’t overnight, but I noticed I wasn’t reaching for antibiotics every other month anymore.

Supporting Your Body with Diet

You might not think food has anything to do with BV, but oh, it does. What you eat can seriously affect your vaginal microbiome. I learned this the hard way after back-to-back infections right after a sugar-fueled vacation. Sugar feeds bad bacteria—and weakens the good ones trying to protect you.

This article on sugar and BV explains it really well. Since then, I’ve made a few swaps:

1. Added more fermented foods (kefir, plain yogurt, kimchi)
2. Cut back on processed carbs and added sugars
3. Upped my intake of leafy greens and omega-3s

Even my OB mentioned that diet changes could strengthen overall immunity and help prevent recurrent BV. And science backs that up—studies show that gut and vaginal flora are closely connected.

Managing Sex-Related Triggers Without Killing the Mood

Look, nobody likes to think their sex life is messing with their health, but BV and sex are deeply connected. It doesn’t mean you need to go celibate, but you do need to be strategic. According to this deep dive on BV and sexual activity, semen can disrupt vaginal pH, and some lubricants aren’t pH-friendly either.

Here’s what worked for me without turning intimacy into a clinical checklist:

• Use condoms more regularly (huge difference)
• Opt for pH-balanced or water-based lubes
• Always pee after sex and clean gently

I also started timing when I was more prone to BV—like post-period or after certain meds—and was more cautious during those times. Here’s an eye-opening link on BV after periods that explains why timing matters more than we think.

Knowing When to Act Early

When you’ve had BV a few times, you start noticing the early signs fast. For me, it’s the smell—it’s subtle at first, but it’s there. Instead of waiting for it to get worse, I now take action immediately. Sometimes it’s probiotics, other times it’s calling up my doctor and asking for metronidazole. Timing is everything.

If you’re unsure about recognizing symptoms early, this guide on BV odor as a symptom is a good place to start. Trust me, once you know your pattern, it gets easier to stay ahead of it.

Building a Prevention Routine That Actually Works

It’s not glamorous, but a solid prevention routine is my secret weapon. And once you get into it, it becomes second nature. I treat it like skincare—daily habits that protect me long-term.

This is what’s been working for me consistently:

• Daily oral probiotics (lactobacillus rhamnosus & reuteri strains work best)
• Wearing cotton underwear and skipping them at night
• Staying hydrated like it’s my job
• Limiting antibiotics unless truly necessary

If you’re serious about long-term results, this guide on long-term BV control is golden. It’s helped shape most of my daily strategies.

Also check out this incredibly useful BV prevention tips page for more daily ideas that aren’t overwhelming to stick with. And if you’re just starting your journey, I recommend bookmarking this main resource on bacterial vaginosis—it’s like your basecamp for everything BV-related.

Natural Remedies That Actually Make a Difference

I was skeptical at first. Natural remedies for BV? Seemed a little too holistic for someone like me who’s used to prescriptions. But once antibiotics became a cycle, I started exploring alternatives—not to replace meds entirely, but to support my body and reduce flare-ups.

What surprised me? Some of them worked better than I expected. This natural remedy guide explains the logic behind each, but here’s what I’ve personally tested:

1. Probiotics: I take them daily (orally), but I’ve also used vaginal suppositories with solid results. This probiotic breakdown gets specific about strains.
2. Apple cider vinegar baths: Twice a week, 1-2 cups in a warm bath—not for everyone, but it helped me feel “reset.”
3. Coconut oil: It’s naturally antifungal and soothing, and it doesn’t mess with pH levels. Here’s how it’s used: BV and coconut oil.

Quick PSA though—always test a small amount first, and if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised, check with your doctor. Some home remedies aren’t universally safe.

Handling BV During Pregnancy

I wasn’t prepared for the anxiety BV would bring during my pregnancy. All those extra hormones shift your pH and immune system, and for me, that meant two BV flare-ups by month six. I felt guilty, stressed, and confused. But here’s what I learned: BV during pregnancy is common—and treatable.

The key is catching it early. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, which is why I was extra cautious with checkups. There’s also research linking untreated BV to preterm labor, so taking it seriously isn’t being dramatic—it’s being smart. This piece on BV and preterm risk really put things in perspective for me.

• Your OB might recommend metronidazole gel instead of pills
• Probiotics are usually safe and can help prevent recurrence
• Hydration and cotton underwear become essential (even if maternity underwear is a pain)

It’s not something to panic over, but it does need attention. I wish someone had told me sooner that I wasn’t doing anything wrong—it’s just biology doing its thing.

The Role of Mental Health and Stress

This one caught me off guard. I didn’t believe stress could cause a gynecological issue—until I tracked my BV episodes and noticed they always happened during chaotic weeks: deadlines, breakups, family drama. Coincidence? Maybe not.

This article on stress and BV lays it out well. Chronic stress weakens your immune system, throws your hormones off balance, and changes your gut health—which is all directly connected to your vaginal health.

These are the small things that helped me:

• Daily 10-minute meditation (even if I just stare at a candle)
• Magnesium supplements for sleep and hormone balance
• Limiting caffeine when I’m already anxious

Managing stress won’t “cure” BV, but it definitely supports your system in keeping things balanced. It’s another piece of the puzzle that doesn’t get enough attention.

What About Your Partner?

Here’s the awkward truth: BV isn’t technically an STD, but that doesn’t mean your partner can’t play a role in flare-ups. I went back and forth on this for years—was it my body, or was I catching it again from someone?

Turns out, both can be true. This article about treating your partner was a game-changer for me. Male partners aren’t routinely treated, but some studies suggest they can harbor the bacteria without symptoms.

Here’s what we decided as a couple:

• We both took a break from sex during treatment
• He switched to pH-neutral hygiene products
• We communicated—openly, without shame

It’s not about blame—it’s about teamwork. If you’re with someone long-term and BV keeps showing up, don’t be afraid to have the conversation. It could make all the difference.

Knowing When to Ask for More Help

If BV keeps coming back no matter what you do, it might be time to dig deeper. I went through five doctors before I found one who took recurring BV seriously. And when she did, we started exploring other possibilities—like underlying hormonal issues or chronic inflammation.

There’s a point where DIY just isn’t enough, and there’s no shame in that. Consider asking your provider about:

• Customized treatment plans (like extended metronidazole courses)
• Hormonal testing, especially if symptoms cycle with your period
• Advanced vaginal microbiome testing (some labs offer this now!)

This overview on BV diagnosis methods is a good reminder of how many options you have when standard tests don’t explain it all.

Your Personalized Strategy

At the end of the day, managing BV isn’t about one perfect cure. It’s about knowing your triggers, listening to your body, and building a sustainable routine. For me, that means probiotics in the morning, breathable fabrics, eating clean (most of the time), and recognizing when stress is trying to mess things up again.

If you’re ready to build your own prevention plan, start by reading the full guide on recurring BV. It connects all the dots—causes, patterns, and proactive steps. You can also explore the broader bacterial vaginosis overview to see how your experience fits into the bigger picture.

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.