My theory is that it is antibiotics that cause this problem - because the test for BV is highly dependent on ph factor at the gyno. Occasionally they will actually look under the microscope at the bacteria and say you have BV - at which point they prescribe antibiotics - broad spectrum, very strong. I would be interested in a poll on this matter. I know my BV began when I was 18. i went in for my pap to get my birth control pills and the nurse told me I had Gardnerella, that is what they called it at that time, she gave me clindamyacin and sent me on my way. I took it not knowing any better. Several months later I had it again, then again, then again. and so on. Gradually it got to the point that I had it consantly, the antibiotics work while I'm on them and then it's right back the next day. I think that constant antibiotic use made it worse and more frequent, and impossible to get rid of. That makes me wonder if - that very first time I was there - when I didn't know anything was wrong - I had no odor problems, no itching, etc. - if they only tested my ph to determine I had BV - what if I had sex the night before, what if I was just off my period that time? What if the ph balance would have corrected on its own without treatment?

I would be interested to know how many women have had the continual BV problem after numerous treatments with antibiotics?