I've lost count of how long I've been dealing with this. It can be incredibly frustrating as you suffer in silence through the irritation. The symptoms continually go and come back. I agree with most women here that doctors don't really know what it is and there is certainly no cure just yet. So I'm going to give you the best methods that have worked for me. 

What we know for sure is that it's NOT a sexually transmitted condition. Your partner will not "catch" anything and no one gave it to you. The vagina is a delicate Eco system and either hormones or diet or something unknown is throwing off the balance of good and bad bacteria that live in the vagina. So the battle of the two is causing the itching and abnormal discharge.

If you try to ignore the symptoms, it only gets worse. Having no treatment can lead to a mix of yeast infection and BV that needs a prescription. The prescription works for a while but symptoms come back eventually. 

I keep my symptoms at bay in the following ways:

1. Wash with only hot water or occasionally a gentle unscented soap like Summer's Eve. I use an extended shower head and flush out the discharge at least 3 times a day or whenever itching gets worse. It will soothe and help clear out the bad. Avoid scratching because you will burn and worsen the infection. Then I follow up with a layer or Vaseline on the labia to reduce the build up of discharge. 

2. Add tea tree oil to your Vaseline from step one. Tea tree oil is very potent so only use 2-3 drops and mix it in. There is a natural antimicrobial property that will basically "kill" bad bacteria. This method is also helpful for yeast infections. But if you experience any additional burning or irritation. STOP using it or you will get inflamed. 

3. Always wear a panty liner. Excess moisture will only cause the increased growth of bacteria and that nasty discharge. So use the party liner to wick away moisture. Always change it after a few hours. Avoid scented brands. Some Docs recommend going commando but I find it only makes things worse. 

4. Drink a shot of apple cider vinegar daily. It tastes gross but it naturally balances your Ph levels, not only in your vagina but your digestive tract as well. 

5. Take probiotic supplements. I cannot stress enough how helpful this has been! Right in your local grocery or drug store you will find 2 supplements that I take daily. I have seen my symptoms disappear almost completely with these. 

AZO YEAST PLUS Tablets. This pill is recommend for healthy vaginal maintenance when you take one tablet daily. If you have a yeast infection along with the issue we are talking about, bump it up to 3 a day. But this is a MUST for controlling symptoms. 

VH ESSENTIALS PROBIOTICS WITH PREBIOTICS  & CRANBERRY. Take 2 gel caps with a large glass of water. It was such a blessing to find this product! 

I know it's hard to go through life with this unknown condition but you are not alone and there is hope. I pray someone will read this and find relief in these methods.