Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an important topic that seems to affect many women in the lifestyle. We have more research and better information on BV and the swinging lifestyle. This episode will: define BV, identify who gets BV, describe how people get it, cover BV as an STI, discuss vaginal pH, and provide a list of 32 items to limit your chances of getting BV.
SHOW NOTES:
- What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) considered an STI?
- How do I get Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Vaginal pH Balance
- Vaginal Microbiota
- Actions I can take to reduce chances of getting Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
ACTIONS OR PRODUCTS THAT CAN LIMIT YOUR CHANCE OF GETTING BV
AT HOME
- No douching
- Perfume free detergent, fabric softener
- No Perfumed and antibacterial body wash /soaps!
- Limit wearing nylon underwear/tight yoga pants – can block air movement = increased bacteria growth.
- Change underwear or panty liner several times a day
- Change out of wet clothing quickly: sweating, swimsuits
- Install a bidet on your toilet (Amazon = $50)
- Use a hair dryer (if bidet doesn’t have one) to dry off privates after using bathroom
- Lube that hasn’t expired
- Lube that dispenses without touching your finger tips
- Limit the amount of sperm in your vagina
- Condoms only you and your partner have tested as a no trigger
- Abstain from sex if you have BV. You and your partner will continue to pass it back and forth. Can temporarily live in the urethra.
Boric Acid Suppositories – seem to help with staying freshNew evidence suggests this is controversial, so you should consult with your OBGYN.- Drink more water!
- Probiotics: Lola
- Good Clean Love: BiopHresh Homeopathic Vaginal Suppository
- Try Lume Deodorant: aluminum, baking soda and paraben free. Goes anywhere bacteria loves to live.
- Hormone changes (estrogen): birth control, aging = dryness, estrogen is a lubricator. Consider HRT if your endocrinologist agrees.
- Regular use of allergy or medicines that have a drying effect on your mucus membranes. Vagina’s best defense: internal moisture and pH balance.
SWINGING LOCATION
- Reduce your alcohol consumption: changes your blood pH and dehydration
- Condoms – Latex free
- Condoms without spermicide
- Condom over fingers before finger play.
- Restrict oral play – especially in orgy situations.
- Water based lube
- No coconut oil
- Limit hot tubs time at parties (chemicals as irritant, chem balance, filters)
- Limit pool time in very dense people to water ratio – swinger soup
- Limit time in wet clothing immediately (bathing suit, gym clothes)
- Use Hibiclens Soap when washing hands before play: [pros v. cons]
- Carry pH balanced wipes to clean up after play: Lola, Good Clean Love
Recommended Lubes and Products
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RESOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance#normal-ph
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance#maintaining-vaginal-health
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-bacterial-vaginosis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22001-gardnerella-vaginalis
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/bv.htm
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/embarrassing-vaginal-odor-it-could-be-bacterial-vaginosis/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412101324.htm
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/30/6/901/432360
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msphere.00593-20
Probiotic: https://mylola.com/products/probiotic-supplement
Probiotic: https://goodcleanlove.com/blogs/good-clean-love/probiotics-for-women-s-ph-balance
Probiotics: https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0519p30.shtml
Deodorant: https://lumedeodorant.com/
pH Test Strips: https://www.life2o.com/product/vagina-ph-test-strips/Foods & Vaginal Health: https://goodcleanlove.com/blogs/good-clean-love/5-fall-foods-that-support-vaginal-health
