It could be that your vaginal ph is off. That could be caused by having a new sex partner to the type of soap you are using or even by something you are eating. It can also be caused by stress!! Did your dr. prescribe something. You should try this product called Rephresh, its sold over the counter and it helps balance vaginal ph. Also eat some yogurt and cut out sugary foods and drinks for a while. I have suffered with BV from time to time and these are some of the things that helped me. i know how unpleasent and icky it makes you feel. Get better soon

"What causes bacterial vaginosis?" — Bacteria. Different types of bacteria. Different combinations. Yes, Lactobacilli (crispatus and jensenii) are involved but not because they are part of the cause but because their numbers are reduced preceding and during vaginosis. Anaerobic numbers increase, like Bacteroides sp., Peptostreptococcus sp., Gardnerella vaginalis, G. mobiluncus or Mycoplasma hominis. Lactobacilli crispatus and Lactobacillus jensenii produce peroxide which holds other bacteria in check.

We don’t really know why these anaerobic bacteria combine like this but it seems likely to be due to an abnormal imbalance.

"I was wondering if there was something that I was doing wrong or something that I can do to prevent infections in the future." — Then examine the behaviors associated with BV. I mean the nonsexual behaviors because virgins get BV too. Douching; frequent or prolonged antibiotic use.

usually an overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina

often triggered by stress

can be treated with an antibiotic and/or a change in diet (changes the pH and discourages bacterial overgrowth)

BV doesn’t cause pain like what you described. If you can’t have intercourse or experience the same pain with tampons and sex, then it’s probably vaginimus or something similar. Also, make sure you speak up about the pain!

Even virgins can get BV. Its a bacteria that is transmitted, from unwashed hands or any other way people get diseases.

No one knows exactly why BV occurs, but there are things that make you more prone to infections and things which commonly cause the infections – things many women are not aware of;

Sex – the more sex you have the greater the risk, there are aspects that make it more problematic, such as semen being a different pH to your vagina that effects the healthy flora within your vagina – some women find they are more prone to odour after sex and BV with certain partners, if sexually active try condoms to see if it helps. Things such as hands not being clean, not washing after sex, food play, all can contribute.

Washing – washing too often is a problem, but a bigger problem is women using soaps to wash with. Anything like soap, washes, wipes, sprays, douching or powders can cause problems, they have a different pH to your vagina so that throws off healthy balance of bacteria, which can lead to infections. This is also true of ‘so-called’ feminine washes, these claim to be pH balanced, but balanced to what? For a start the vagina is naturally acidic so soaps are going to be a different pH, every woman has a different vaginal pH, and their vaginal pH changes as hormones change, so it is impossible for any product to match your vaginal pH. Your vagina is self-cleaning, all you ever need to use is plain water to wash with and your hands to wipe away dirt from your vulva. Watch out for other sources of chemicals near your vagina such as washing powders, bubble baths, some lubricants may also cause problems.

Menstrual products – tampons are very well known for causing problems because they prevent vaginal cleaning, absorb vaginal fluids, encourage massive bacterial growth, and commercial brands like Tampax contain chemicals and bleach that effect vaginal pH. Pads and liners can be a problem too if you use commercial brands like Always, these not only have chemicals and bleach, but also because of synthetics and plastics they prevent air getting to your genitals, making the area warm and moist so perfect for bacteria and yeast. Even if you don’t have problems during your period these products will cause imbalance, then the slightest thing could tip things over the edge. If you use tampons switch to menstrual cups or softcups as these are far healthier and more hygienic than tampons, they are also more convenient, comfortable and reliable so far better than tampons in general. If you really don’t want to give up tampons try cotton tampons like Cottons or Natracare instead which are free form synthetics, chemicals and bleach so healthier. For pads and liners either use cotton, or use cloth such as Lunapads, these don’t contain chemicals, they also allow your vagina to ‘breathe’ keeping your genitals dry, cool, and comfortable too.

General rules apply too, avoiding tight or synthetic clothing, white cotton panties are love, wipe from front to back, keep clean and dry, if you work in offices then remember those seats are gross and sitting all day will make your groin warm so walk about from time to time. Safe sex, watch out for some condoms or lubricants causing problems, also watch your partners hygiene – as a note BV is not classed as an STI, however it can be passed from partner to partner, so the idea of using condoms may also help there, but get your partner tested too. Try keeping up vaginal health by using plain pro-biotic yogurt, eating and inserting it into your vagina, as messy as it might be the yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium that also happens to be found in healthy vaginas – you can also get tablets that contain this bacterium that may help, look in a health food store as they will stock these tablets and it might be helpful to you.

Vaginosis or vaginitis is an inflammation which occurs in the vagina and includes several strains of germ that cause bacterial vaginosis yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Many women mistakenly believe that yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal infection but bacterial vaginosis is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection affecting from 10% to 64% of the population at any given time.
Although treatment is available which quickly cures this infection if left untreated bacterial vaginosis may increase a woman's risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) endometritis cervicitis pregnancy complications and post-operative infections among other health conditions.

Bacterial vaginosis occurs most during the reproductive years although women of all ages are susceptible to this infection that affects the vagina urethra bladder and skin in the genital area.

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Primary causes of bacterial vaginosis include an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and the Gardnerella organism.
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The healthy vagina includes a small amount of these bacteria and organisms. When the vaginal balance is disrupted by the overgrowth of these bacteria another protective bacterium lactobacilli is unable to adequately perform its normal function. Lactobacilli normally provides a natural disinfectant (similar to hydrogen peroxide) which helps maintain the healthy and normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina.
E. coli which is a normal inhabitant of the rectum can cause bacterial vaginitis if it is spread to the vaginal area. Other factors which may contribute include hot weather poor health poor hygiene use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control and routine douching.

Risk of bacterial vaginosis increases with menopause and in women with diabetes as well as women whose resistance is lowered due to other conditions.

A report published in Women's Health Weekly indicates that multiple sex partners may increase a woman's risk of bacterial vaginosis although African-American women with only one partner still have a high prevalence of infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
The most obvious sign of bacterial infection is an unpleasant foul sometimes fishy odor. Itching and/or burning sometimes accompany bacterial infections but are not a required symptom for a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Many times women are unaware they are infected until they are diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear. It is important not to douche during the few days preceding a visit to your gynecologist as douching can hide signs of infection and may make bacterial vaginosis worse.

What is the Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis?
The good news is that treatment is relatively simple and effective once proper diagnosis is made. Treatment usually consists of three to seven nights of Cleocin 2% vaginal cream. Oral antibiotic treatment is sometimes prescribed and may be available if you request it from your physician.
Although your symptoms may disappear before you finish your medication it's important that you complete your medication exactly as directed by your physician.

Preventing Vaginal Infections
Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements to prevent E. coli from the rectum from entering the vagina.

Douching is never a good idea. Douching may disrupt the fragile balance of natural organisms in the vagina which may lead too bacterial or yeast infection and may also cause the spread of infection up into the reproductive tract where it can do damage.

Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Wash before and after sex with an antibacterial cleanser and thoroughly dry the vaginal area to prevent moisture from creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Avoid tight clothing and always wear white cotton panties that help absorb moisture and allow air to circulate.

Avoid scented or treated toilet paper personal hygiene products perfumes spermicides and harsh soaps or detergents if the vaginal area is irritated.

Practice safe sex! Always use condoms to prevent STDs or other vaginal infections unless you are in a long-term monogamous relationship.

Diaphragms cervical caps and medication applicators should be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Remember if you experience signs of vaginal infection it is important that diagnosis is made by a physician–most vaginal infections are not yeast infections! Self-treatment with over-the-counter remedies for yeast infection will not cure a bacterial infection and may increase your risk of complications.

allergy to condoms.. and dont wash your vg with soap!!

also i know this is strange but use some salt…

For some reason the pH of your vagina favors the bacteria over the other organisms and there is an overgrowth. Try adding either a probiotic or yogurt to your diet daily. Both have the right organisms to offset bacteria from getting too much of foothold. You may ask your doctor if its possible that your regular sex partner is a carrier? Perhaps treating him would too would help.

Yuk it sounds horrid nearly enough to put me of women until I think of the alternative

Seriously though I think u need to get your Doctor to refer you to a specialist…..good luck & big hugs