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Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal irritation caused by an overpopulation of normally occurring bacteria in the vagina, which disrupts the natural equilibrium.
Bacterial vaginosis is most common in women during their reproductive years, but it can afflict women of any age. The origin is unknown, although certain actions, such as unprotected sex or regular douching, raise your risk.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms and indicators may include:
- Vaginal discharge that is thin, gray, white, or green.
- Vaginal odor that smells "fishy"
- Itching in the cervix
- Urination causes burning
Many women who have bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you:
- You have new vaginal discharge that is accompanied by an odor or temperature. Your doctor can assist you in determining the cause and identifying indications and symptoms.
- You've previously had vaginal infections, but the color and nature of your discharge appear to be different this time.
- You have several sex partners or a new partner. The signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted illness can sometimes be confused with those of bacterial vaginosis.
- You use an over-the-counter medicine to treat a yeast infection on your own, but your symptoms continue.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of one of numerous bacteria found naturally in your vagina. "Good" bacteria (lactobacilli) usually outnumber "bad" bacteria (anaerobes). When there are too many anaerobic bacteria in your vagina, they disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms and cause bacterial vaginosis.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?
Bacterial vaginosis risk factors include:
- Having more than one sex partner or a new sex partner: Doctors aren't sure what causes bacterial vaginosis, although it's more common in women who have several sex partners or a new sex partner. Bacterial vaginosis is also more common in women who have intercourse with other women.
- Douching: Douching (rinsing out your vagina with water or a cleansing substance) disturbs the natural balance of your vagina. This can result in anaerobic bacterial overgrowth and bacterial vaginosis. Douching is not required because the vagina is self-cleaning.
- Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria: You are more prone to acquire bacterial vaginosis if your natural vaginal environment does not produce enough of the healthy lactobacilli bacteria.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?
Bacterial vaginosis seldom leads to problems. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes result in:
- Premature birth: Premature births and low birth weight kids have been associated to bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women.
- Sexually transmitted infections: Women who have bacterial vaginosis are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted illnesses such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If you have HIV, bacterial vaginosis increases your chances of infecting your partner.
- Infection risk following gynecologic surgery: Bacterial vaginosis may increase the chance of getting a post-surgical infection after hysterectomy or dilation and curettage treatments (D&C).
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Bacterial vaginosis can occasionally result in PID, a uterine and fallopian tube infection that increases the risk of infertility.
HOW IS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor may use the following tests to determine bacterial vaginosis:
- Inquire about your medical history: Your doctor may inquire about previous vaginal or sexually transmitted infections.
- Perform a pelvic examination: During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually inspects your vagina for symptoms of infection and inserts two fingers into your vagina while pressing on your belly with the other hand to look for signs of disease in your pelvic organs.
- Take a vaginal secretion sample: This may be done to screen for anaerobic bacteria overflow in your vaginal flora. Your doctor may analyze your vaginal secretions under a microscope for "clue cells," which are bacteria-infested vaginal cells that indicate bacterial vaginosis.
- Test your vaginal pH: Your doctor may use a pH test strip to determine the acidity of your vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is indicated by a vaginal pH of 4.5 or above.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?
Your doctor may prescribe one of the following drugs to treat bacterial vaginosis:
- Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others): This medication can be taken orally as a tablet (orally). Metronidazole is also available as a vaginal gel to be applied topically. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least one day following treatment to lessen the risk of stomach upset, abdominal discomfort, or nausea when using this drug — verify the product's instructions.
- Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others): This medication comes in the form of a cream that you apply to your vagina. Clindamycin cream may weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days afterwards.
- Tinidazole (Tindamax): This drug is administered orally. Tinidazole has the same potential for stomach upset and nausea as metronidazole, so avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least three days afterward.
- Secnidazole (Solosec): This is an antibiotic that is taken orally in a single dose. The medication comes in the form of granules, which you sprinkle across a soft food like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Within 30 minutes, you consume the mixture, taking care not to crunch or chew the granules.
Although treating an infected woman's male sexual partner is usually unnecessary, bacterial vaginosis can transmit between female sexual partners. Female partners should be tested and may require therapy. It is especially crucial for pregnant women experiencing symptoms to be treated in order to reduce the risk of early birth or low birth weight.
Take your medication or apply the cream or gel for as long as your doctor instructs you to, even if your symptoms improve. Early treatment discontinuation may raise the likelihood of recurrence.
Recurrence
Despite therapy, bacterial vaginosis frequently recurs within three to twelve months. Researchers are looking for therapy options for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms return quickly after treatment, consult your doctor about alternative options. Extended-use metronidazole therapy may be a possibility.
Lactobacillus colonization therapy is a self-help strategy that aims to increase the quantity of beneficial bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment, which can be performed by consuming particular types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli. While existing evidence suggests that probiotic therapy may have some benefits, additional research is needed on the subject.
HOW CAN BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS BE PREVENTED?
To aid in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis:
- Reduce vaginal inflammation: Use unscented tampons or pads and moderate, nondeodorant soaps.
- Don't douche: Other than bathing, your vagina does not require cleaning. Douching frequently alters vaginal balance and may increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching will not cure a vaginal infection.
- Avoid contracting a sexually transmitted infection: To reduce your chance of a sexually transmitted infection, use a male latex condom, restrict your number of sex partners, or refrain from intercourse.