How can one overcome recurring bacterial vaginosis?

By having your doctor *thoroughly* examine you, take a culture (probably a swab) or your vagina to figure the bacteria causing the infection, then start an antibiotic regimen based on the results of that tests. There are most likely a fair number of specific organisms that can cause such an infection -- in many cases an antibiotic may not have been taken for a long enough length of time or the bacteria may have been out of the spectrum the antibiotic was supposed to treat. If treated many times over and over the bacteria may have become resistant and a different treatment tried.
I'm not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be -- but discuss this with your doctor and see what they say. You may end up for a few days in the hospital with an IV antibiotic or the doc may simply try a different med. Hopefully a different med will solve things.

You're right. It was e.coli and got an antibiotic to deal with it. Fingers crossed.Amazingly the person got antibiotics for all the baddies known to western medicine, but nothing for e.coli. Had been to the doctors 30 times, with no previous success. This time the doctor has done as you outline.
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a decreased number of normal flora (Lactobacilli) in the vagina. These normal flora are replaced by organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis and other bacteroides. This results in a decrease in acidity of the vagina, profuse grey, watery discharge, odour, itchiness and may cause painful coitus and pain when urinating.
It seems like you already know that you have bacterial vaginosis (Dr diagnosed it?) In that case there should have been specific antibiotics prescribed for gram negative and anaerobic organisms, either oral or used as a cream.
If you have not been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis by your doctor, and you have vaginal discharge, then it may be caused by an STI such as Trichomonas. If the discharge is curdy and white, it may be Candidiasis (non STI- yest infection).
To overcome recurring bacterial vaginosis, one must maintain good toilet hygiene, not to disrupt vaginal pH with soaps and to avoid douching. Hormonal changes may lead to vaginal discharge and menopausal decrease in oestrogen can lead to dryness and vaginal mucosal atrophy. Retained tampons may also increase the chance of recurrance. Lastly, if there is persistent discharge, bleeding, have pain and are fatigued- then it is vital to ask your doctor about cervical/endometrial cancer (less likely if you dont have risk factors)