Comprehensive Guide: How to Treat BV and UTI Together
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common conditions that can happen simultaneously.
Both conditions bring discomfort and can disrupt daily life.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the prevalence of BV to be 21.2 million among women aged 14-49.
The treatment involves using antibiotics for both situations and lifestyle changes.
In this article, we’ll talk about the common treatment and preventive measures for BV and UTI.
Can BV and UTI be treated at the same time
BV occurs when an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is caused due to hormonal changes, sexual activity, or douches.
Poor hygiene, sexual activity, urinary catheters, and structural abnormalities increase the risk of UTI.
According to a study conducted by Washington University School of Medicine, vaginal bacteria may trigger recurrent UTIs.
There is a possibility of both BV and UTI at the same time, and they can be treated with antibiotics, but different kinds are required.
Antibiotics for BV
Antibiotics are effective up to 90% for treating BV.
Metronidazole is the recommended antibiotic for treating BV, according to the National Library of Medicine.
According to 2021 review notes, multiple studies have shown Probiotics may help in treating BV.
Antibiotics for UTI
The best way to treat UTI is with antibiotics.
Depending on the germs analyzed by your urine sample, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
If you have a simple infection, then Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole, Fosfomycin, Cephalexin, and Ceftriaxone antibiotics are recommended.
In case of a serious UTI, your doctor may prescribe Fluoroquinolone if no other treatments are available.
When to seek medical advice
Consultation with a healthcare provider is the first step toward treating BV and UTIs.
They will conduct relevant tests to verify the diagnosis and offer suitable treatment recommendations.
Dr. Joe and Dr. Sara offered medical advice in one of her videos on how to get rid of BV.
Lifestyle and hygiene practices for treating BV and UTI
In order to treat and prevent BV and UTI, certain lifestyle and hygiene changes are beneficial.
Following are some tips to prevent BV and UTI symptoms at the onset by managing them at the earliest stage.
For BV
- A Probiotic supplement increases the number of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Think about taking Probiotics to support a healthy vaginal bacterial composition and prevent infections.
- Douching should be avoided since it can upset the average balance of vaginal germs.
- Use contraceptives during safe sex till the infection is treated.
- Avoid scented vaginal products because they could irritate the vaginal area.
- To encourage more excellent airflow, wear cotton underpants.
- For gentle genital care, use moderate, fragrance-free cleansers and warm water.
For UTI
- Keep hydrated and urinate frequently to clear out bacteria to improve urine flow.
- Be sure to keep yourself clean by cleaning your face and back after sexual activity.
- To avoid the bladder developing bacteria, urinate frequently and thoroughly.
- After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back to stop bacteria from the anus from getting into the urethra.
- Use protection for safe sex.
- Wear cotton underpants that help to keep the vagina area dry and prevent it from bacteria.
- Avoid using spermicidal products because they raise the possibility of UTIs.
- Avoid harsh soaps that cause pH levels to fluctuate.
Conclusion
A BV and UTI often occur together, causing discomfort.
Both can be treated with the help of antibiotics but with different kinds.
Antibiotics like Metronidazole and Trimethoprim are considered the effective treatment for BV and UTI.
Bringing a few good changes in life and adopting good hygiene practices such as drinking plenty of water, keeping yourself clean, being gentle towards genital care, urinate frequently can help prevent the symptoms of conditions.
Prioritize your health and seek medical advice when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BV and UTI be treated the same?
The treatment for BV and UTI is different, but both involve antibiotics. It is essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How can I treat BV and UTI at home?
Maintaining proper vaginal hygiene, avoiding harsh chemicals, and taking Probiotic suppositories with a medical consult are all possible home treatments for BV. Drinking plenty of water, increasing vitamin C intake, practicing healthy hygiene habits, and drinking unsweetened cranberry juice may help cure UTI symptoms.
Does UTI turn into BV?
UTIs do not directly turn into BV because different bacteria cause them. But frequent UTIs or antibiotic usage might upset the average balance of vaginal flora, raising the risk of BV.
How do you know when BV is cleared?
It is a sign of successful treatment for BV when the bacterial imbalance is corrected and the symptoms disappear. To examine whether BV is cleared, follow-up tests are performed by a healthcare professional. In addition to evaluating your symptoms, they might collect a vaginal sample for testing.
What is the new treatment for BV?
Dequalinium, a brand-new vaginal antibacterial, is a therapeutic option for BV. Its potential benefits include not harming the healthy bacteria in the body or leading to antibiotic resistance.
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