Things To Avoid During BV Treatment That Delay Healing
When I was going through BV treatment a couple of years ago, I made a ton of rookie mistakes that, in hindsight, definitely didn’t help the healing process. Between scanning forums, panicking at every symptom change, and trying out every DIY remedy someone swore by on TikTok, it was a rollercoaster. But if there’s one thing I wish I had found earlier, it’s a clear guide on what *not* to do during BV treatment. So let’s get into it—the stuff that can mess up your progress and how to actually support your body while it’s healing.
🚫 Things You Should Avoid During BV Treatment
1. Douching (Seriously, Just Don’t)
One of the biggest mistakes people make during BV treatment is douching. It might feel like you’re “cleaning” down there, but in reality, you’re just throwing your vaginal microbiome even further off balance. Douching can push bacteria further inside and flush out the healthy bacteria you’re trying to rebuild.
There’s actually a dedicated article explaining how douching myths contribute to BV flare-ups—worth a read if you’re tempted by those “feminine hygiene” products at the drugstore.
2. Wearing Tight or Non-Breathable Underwear
I used to live in tight leggings and synthetic panties because, well, they’re cute and convenient. But wow, do they make BV worse. Non-breathable fabrics trap heat and moisture—perfect conditions for harmful bacteria to thrive.
- Go for 100% cotton underwear
- Switch to looser-fitting bottoms when possible
- Avoid wearing underwear overnight if you’re sleeping at home
Learn more about how clothing choices affect BV recovery here.
3. Having Unprotected Sex
Sex might be the last thing on your mind during treatment—but if it’s not, you’ll want to approach it with caution. Semen can alter vaginal pH and make antibiotics less effective. Plus, rough or frequent sex can introduce more bacteria or slow down healing.
And no, this isn’t just a vibe check—it’s actually linked to BV recurrence, as discussed in this article on BV and sexual activity.
4. Ignoring Hygiene Habits (But Don’t Overdo It Either)
It’s tempting to get obsessive about washing during BV, but overwashing or using scented soaps can be just as harmful as poor hygiene. The goal is *balance*—gentle, unscented, pH-balanced cleansers only. No scrubbing. No sprays. No glittery bath bombs (sad, I know).
- Stick to washing the vulva only—never inside the vagina
- Use lukewarm water and your hand or a soft cloth
- Pat dry—no rubbing
If you’re wondering what habits could unknowingly make things worse, this guide on hygiene habits that cause BV lays it out really clearly.
🧃 Be Mindful of What You’re Putting in Your Body
5. Sugar Overload
I know, I know. Cutting back on sugar is the least fun advice to hear. But high sugar intake can feed the bad bacteria in your body and make BV harder to treat. I noticed a huge improvement when I swapped my soda and cookie habit for herbal teas and fruit.
There’s solid evidence linking sugar consumption to vaginal health issues. Check out the breakdown in this article on sugar and BV.
6. Alcohol (Especially in High Doses)
Heavy drinking affects your immune system and gut flora—which is directly linked to vaginal flora. I’m not saying you can’t enjoy a glass of wine, but moderation is key. If you’re actively treating BV with antibiotics, mixing them with alcohol can also reduce the meds’ effectiveness or make you feel awful.
Want to support healing? Prioritize hydration, probiotics, and whole foods. There’s more on gut-vagina connection over on foods that feed good bacteria.
7. Antibiotic Disruption
Ever taken antibiotics for something else while treating BV? I did once for a sinus infection, and let’s just say, it derailed everything. Non-BV antibiotics can knock out your good vaginal flora and worsen the imbalance. If you’re taking other meds, it’s worth discussing with your doctor how it might impact your BV treatment.
The risk of antibiotic-related BV complications is real and often overlooked.
🔁 Avoiding the Recurrence Cycle
8. Not Finishing the Full Course of Treatment
Look, I get it. The symptoms ease up and suddenly you’re like, “Do I really need to finish this prescription?” Yes. You really do. Not completing treatment increases your chance of a rebound infection—been there, done that, got the recurring BV.
9. Skipping Probiotic Support
During treatment, especially with antibiotics, your beneficial bacteria takes a hit. I started taking probiotics consistently during my last round of treatment, and the difference was night and day. Probiotic-rich foods help too—think plain yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
If you’re unsure where to start, this article on probiotics for BV is super beginner-friendly and practical.
10. Stressing Over Every Symptom
This one’s a mental game. Stress impacts your immune function and hormonal balance, and that indirectly affects BV recovery. Try to chill. Easier said than done, but practices like yoga, meditation, or just a walk in the sun can help.
There’s even a fascinating take on whether stress can cause BV in the first place—worth the read if your mind’s been racing.
For more complete background, you might want to visit the BV treatment options guide and the main overview on bacterial vaginosis here at Healthusias.
🧼 Self-Care Habits That Support BV Recovery
1. Keep It Dry and Breezy
After every shower, workout, or pool dip, I make sure to fully dry off down there. Excess moisture is like a welcome mat for bad bacteria. I’ve even started using a soft towel dedicated to the pelvic area—yep, it sounds a bit extra, but it helps. Moisture-wicking undies and avoiding pantyliners when not on your period also help a ton.
2. Choose Your Period Products Wisely
During BV treatment, I switched from traditional tampons to 100% organic cotton pads. I even gave menstrual cups a try but checked with my OB-GYN first. If you use internal products, cleanliness is everything. BV can sometimes worsen during your period—some people report symptoms getting worse afterward, and here’s a detailed breakdown on BV after menstruation.
3. Sleep Without Underwear
This was actually recommended to me by a women’s health nurse. Going commando at night allows airflow and reduces humidity. If it feels weird at first, try switching to loose cotton shorts or pajamas instead of tight sleepwear.
🌿 Gentle Natural Remedies to Try (With Caution)
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Baths (Diluted!)
This one has mixed reviews, but a few drops of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in a warm sitz bath helped me feel more balanced. Never insert it, and always dilute. It’s a support method, not a cure. There’s a good explanation about this in the apple cider vinegar for BV article.
2. Probiotic Vaginal Suppositories
I tried these after finishing my antibiotics and found they helped maintain a healthy balance. Look for ones containing *Lactobacillus* strains. And again, chat with your doctor first—especially if you’re pregnant or have sensitive skin.
3. Coconut Oil & Tea Tree Oil
Some people swear by natural oils. I used organic coconut oil as an external moisturizer to soothe dryness from meds. Tea tree oil? Too strong for me personally, but diluted applications are popular. Just make sure you’re not allergic and that it’s properly mixed with a carrier oil. Here’s the lowdown on coconut oil and tea tree oil for BV.
🧬 Partner Treatment & Relationship Hygiene
1. Talk to Your Partner
It’s awkward, I know. But if you keep getting BV, your partner might need to be treated too. BV isn’t technically an STI, but there’s plenty of discussion about transmission through sexual activity. This article lays out when partner treatment might be necessary.
2. Avoid Sharing Towels or Intimate Products
I learned this the hard way—sharing bath towels or using the same razor can spread bacteria. Designate your own personal hygiene items, and wash towels frequently in hot water. Yes, it’s kind of a hassle, but worth it for long-term vaginal health.
3. Clean Sex Toys Thoroughly
If you use them, they need to be squeaky clean. Wash with unscented antibacterial soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, and dry them completely. This is non-negotiable if you’re managing BV symptoms or in treatment.
👩⚕️ Stay Consistent With Medical Guidance
1. Complete All Medications, Even if You Feel Better
I can’t say this enough: don’t stop your meds early. It might feel like the BV is gone by day three, but if your doctor prescribed seven days—finish them all. Incomplete treatment can cause symptoms to bounce back even harder.
2. Know When to Revisit Your Provider
If your symptoms don’t improve within a week, or if they come back soon after, go back. It might be recurring BV, or something entirely different like a yeast infection. Here’s how to check BV at home, and also how to self-diagnose correctly (spoiler: it’s tricky).
3. Understand Combo Infections
Sometimes, it’s not just BV. I once had a dual BV + yeast infection situation. The symptoms overlapped, but needed completely different treatments. If you suspect something more is going on, this guide on co-existing infections helps break it down.
🥗 What You Eat Matters More Than You Think
1. Prioritize Gut Health
Your gut and vaginal microbiomes are deeply connected. Fermented foods like yogurt (with live cultures), kimchi, miso, and kombucha can support both. I started incorporating these into my lunch routine and noticed better digestion and less bloating too.
2. Limit Dairy & Refined Carbs
Some people find that too much dairy or simple carbs like white bread can feed harmful bacteria. You don’t have to go full paleo, but small swaps (like brown rice instead of white) can make a difference. Check this out: foods to avoid when prone to BV.
3. Stay Hydrated & Add Herbal Support
I began drinking unsweetened cranberry and dandelion root tea during BV flare-ups. They’re not miracle cures, but they support urinary and reproductive health. Staying hydrated in general helps your body flush toxins more effectively.
Also, don’t miss the complete guide on diet for BV and the main BV hub to explore more supportive info backed by experts and peer-reviewed data.
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.
