When it comes to sex, one of the first questions that come to a woman's mind is: "Do you get BV from a guy?" The answer is a resounding "yes." After all, BV is not only contracted during sex. There are also some symptoms and treatments to consider.

BV isn't just contracted during sex

While BV is most often contracted during sex, it can occur outside of sex as well. If you suspect you have contracted BV, see a health care provider. Women with BV are at higher risk for premature delivery and low birth weight. You should not have sex with a pregnant woman unless you are sure you are not pregnant. You should also wear a condom.

BV is an infection of the vagina caused by an imbalance of bacteria. Though it isn't a sexually transmitted disease, it is associated with sexual activity, and it can lead to a variety of other STIs. A woman who has BV increases her risk for other STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The infection can also affect a woman's fertility and self-esteem.

If BV occurs four or more times in one year, it is considered recurrent. There are several reasons why a woman can get BV again after receiving treatment for the first time. It may have been the result of inadequate treatment or re-exposure to factors that cause bacteria imbalance.

Almost half of the women with BV do not attribute the disease to sexual activity. Some women who contracted BV did not consider it to be a sexually transmitted disease until they were informed by their health care providers. These women may have exhibited self-blame tendencies when blaming a partner for the onset of the infection.

Symptoms

If you've had sex with a guy and noticed that you're developing BV symptoms, you may be concerned that he's carrying the disease. While this infection is usually mild, it's still important to get diagnosed quickly and treated appropriately to avoid serious problems. Your health care provider can help you get the proper diagnosis and prescribe a course of antibiotics. In many cases, you can expect to have fewer symptoms if you treat yourself and your male partner at once.

The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis is an abnormally odorous vaginal discharge. This discharge has a strong fishy smell and is usually present after intercourse. The condition can also lead to itching and burning during urination. Although most women with BV do not experience any symptoms, a physician can detect the presence of this infection during a physical exam and confirm the diagnosis with a test of the vaginal fluid.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the vagina's flora. Normally, the vagina is home to a healthy balance of helpful bacteria, called "microbiota." Once that balance is upset, harmful anaerobic bacteria take over. While bacterial vaginosis can affect both sexes, it is more likely to happen in women.

Bacterial vaginosis is easily treatable with antibiotics. These can be taken as a pill or gel or applied to the vagina. Most commonly used antibiotics include metronidazole and clindamycin. It's important to take the prescribed medication for the entire course of treatment. You should avoid having sex until your symptoms clear up.

Treatment

In most cases, there is no cure for BV from a guy, although some treatment options can help prevent future infections. Some of these options include using condoms or avoiding sex with a guy infected with BV. Other options include taking antibiotics or using vaginal suppositories to treat yeast infections. The right treatment depends on the type of infection and the cause.

If you experience BV from a guy, your first line of treatment should include a course of antibiotics. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system and keeping the BV in asymptomatic state. They should also be used on a long-term basis to prevent recurrence. However, these treatments come with side effects and may be ineffective for some women. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor before starting any type of treatment.

Women should consult their doctor if they experience vaginal bleeding or discharge. Untreated BV is linked to a higher risk of pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and premature delivery. In addition, women who have BV without symptoms should have regular follow-up with their doctor. However, if you are pregnant and suspect a guy has BV, there is no need for treatment. A woman should also consider other possible causes of vaginal bleeding, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

The symptoms of BV can be recognizable by its appearance and smell. A doctor can diagnose the disease by analyzing a specimen of vaginal discharge. The presence of a fungus, known as Candida albicans, on the vagina, is an additional symptom. A doctor can also check the pH level of the vaginal discharge by taking a pH test. If the pH level of the discharge is higher than 4.5, BV is suspected.