Sex without a condom increases a woman's risk of getting bacterial vaginosis

We all know that having unprotected sex poses risks, such as sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. But did you know, it turns out that unprotected sex also increases a woman's risk of getting bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections?

Women are prone to vaginal infections if they have sex without a condom

A new study by researchers at Australia's Melbourne Sexual Health Center has found that unprotected sex, even if the male partner does not have a sexual disease, significantly increases the development of "bad" bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis.

In the vagina there are "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria. Types of good bacteria function to control the growth of bad bacteria. Well, if a woman has bacterial vaginosis, this indicates that there is no balance of bacteria in the vagina, where bad bacteria grow more than good bacteria.

The vagina normally consists of five bacterial colonies that create an ecosystem that can change rapidly, but in a positive way. Among the five bacterial colonies in the vagina, species lactobacillus is the most dominant.

Women whose vagina has a lot of bacteria L. crispatus considered the healthiest, because these bacteria function to produce lactic acid and maintain vaginal PH so as to prevent other bacteria from growing in the vagina. A study in The Journal of Infectious Diseases also states that women have a lot of bacteria L. crispatus in the vagina, a lower risk of getting bacterial vaginosis.

What are the symptoms and signs if you have bacterial vaginosis?

Women are prone to getting bacterial vaginosis if they have more than one sexual partner, or have sex with a new partner. However, in some cases, bacterial vaginosis can also occur in people who are not sexually active and in women who are taking spiral birth control. Signs or symptoms if a woman has bacterial vaginosis are:

1. Abnormal vaginal discharge

Have you ever experienced vaginal discharge that is not normal? A discharge with a pungent odor, pale - grayish or yellow in color, and a watery texture are the most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

2. Vaginal itching

In general, bacterial vaginosis will also experience vaginal itching which is sometimes painful due to infection or irritation around the vulva and vagina. In addition, the skin around the vulva also experiences inflammation and redness.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

Another indication if you have bacterial vaginosis is that you feel pain or tenderness during or after sex with a partner. In addition, you also feel pain when urinating.

How do I prevent bacterial vaginosis?

You need to know, according to researchers, bacterial vaginosis arises from unhealthy sexual activity such as sex without a condom and having sex with more than one person. Therefore, it is very important for you and your partner to do safe sexual activity such as being loyal to only one partner and don't forget to use a condom. Using a condom during sex can eliminate the spread of bacteria, and other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, the most important thing is to always keep the reproductive organs clean.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common problem that is usually experienced by women, although many women are not aware of it. But it is undeniable, if allowed to continue for a long time bacterial vaginosis will cause more serious health problems. Therefore, it is better to have regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure the cleanliness of your reproductive organs.