Bacterial vaginosis: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Definition

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis or bacterial vaginosis (bacterial vaginosis) is a disease in which the amount of bacteria in the vagina is excessive.

Excess bacteria in the vagina can cause irritation, inflammation, odor (after sex), and other symptoms. The urethra, bladder, and skin in the genital area can also be affected

How common is this condition?

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common disease. About 75% of women experience vaginal infections due to yeast. Women of all ages can get bacterial vaginosis, but people aged 15-44 have a higher risk.

Pregnant women can also get bacterial vaginosis. Women with bacterial vaginosis tend to deliver premature babies or babies with low birth weight. Proper treatment is important for pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.

You can limit your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis by reducing risk factors. Always consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are:

Feels itching and irritation on the vulva and vagina
Smelly vagina (the smell gets worse after sex)
Leukorrhea is very few and usually white in color

Other symptoms include:

It hurts during sex
Dysuria
The skin around the vulva becomes inflamed and reddish

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you are concerned about the symptoms, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

When should you see a doctor?

You need to see a doctor immediately if you have any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above. Do not hesitate to seek medical help just because of the condition in a "sensitive area".

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the following are symptoms of bacterial vaginosis that require medical attention:

If you experience changes in your vagina and they are associated with a smell and cause you a fever. Your doctor can help you find the cause and describe the signs and symptoms.
If you have had vaginal infections before, but the color and consistency of your vaginal discharge looks different this time around.
You have more than one sexual partner or you have a new partner. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis.
You have done self-treatment for yeast infection, but the symptoms won't go away.

If left for too long, bacterial vaginosis can cause serious complications, which can affect your sex life and daily activities.

Cause

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina is the cause of bacterial vaginosis. Usually the beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) will overwhelm the number of harmful bacteria (anaerobes) in the vagina.

Increasing the number of harmful bacteria will upset the balance and the number of beneficial bacteria will decrease. This will cause bacterial vaginosis.

The causes of an imbalance in the number of bacteria in the vagina are:

Reaction to antibiotics
Intrauterine device
Unsafe sex, including not using a condom
Douche.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis?

All women can experience bacterial vaginosis, but the risk tends to increase by the following factors:

Smoke
Sexually active
Douche

Reporting from Web MD, vaginal douching can reduce the natural balance of bacteria. The same will happen if you use scented soaps, take a bubble bath, or use a vaginal deodorant.

A new sexual partner, or more than one partner, puts you at risk for bacterial vaginosis. Although the cause is unclear, female partners are at the highest risk. You can also get bacterial vaginosis from oral and anal sex.

IUD contraceptives or spiral contraceptives, which are inserted in the uterus, are often associated with bacterial vaginosis, especially irregular bleeding. However, it is unclear if that is the direct cause.

You can't get bacterial vaginosis from swimming pools or public toilets.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the treatment options for bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis usually goes away without treatment, but women who experience certain signs and symptoms should take medication to prevent complications. The following drugs may be recommended by a doctor:

1. Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal)

This drug is taken by mouth (oral). Metronidazole is also available as a gel that you apply to your vagina.

To reduce the risk of stomach upset or vomiting while taking this medicine, avoid alcohol during treatment, or for at least a day after finishing treatment. Always see the instructions for use on the medicine packaging.

2.Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse)

This medication is available in the form of a cream that is applied to your vagina. Clindamycin cream can weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the cream.

3. Tinidazole (Tindamax)

This medication is taken by mouth (orally). Tinidazole also might cause stomach upset and vomiting, like metronidazole. You need to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this drug.

Generally, bacterial vaginosis often recurs within three to 12 months, even after treatment. Researchers are looking for treatment for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If symptoms return after treatment, contact your doctor.

Eat certain types of yogurt or other foods that contain them lactobacilli can increase the number of good bacteria in your vagina. However, further research is needed to prove this accurately.

What are the most common tests to diagnose this condition?

To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor will examine your pelvis, specifically your vagina, to check for symptoms. Your doctor will take a sample of the vagina with a cotton swab to examine it under a microscope and perform other tests.

An accurate diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is very important because it helps the doctor to confirm that you really have a vaginal bacterial infection or if you have another infectious disease such as chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection.

To ensure an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will usually recommend that you:

Do not wash your vagina for 24 hours before the exam
Do not use anything that can irritate the vagina (vaginal sprays for example)
Do not have sex for 24 hours before the test
Do not get checked if you are menstruating.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help treat bacterial vaginosis?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you treat bacterial vaginosis:

Keep the vaginal area dry
Use the medicine as directed by the doctor
Follow your doctor's instructions to monitor the progress of your symptoms and health condition
Avoid sexual contact during your treatment.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find out the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.