Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition occurring in women. It is not a sexually transmitted disorder but it can increase a woman’s risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection such as Chlamydia. It can also lead to complications especially when you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance. Women in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. The cause is not completely understood but certain activities, such as unprotected sex or frequent douching, increases a woman’s risk or getting it. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge.
What are some symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
Many women have bacterial vaginosis and do not have any visible symptoms – and are usually diagnosed after a pelvic examination by their gynaecologist. When symptoms occur they include the following:
• Watery vaginal discharge
• Fishy smell that gets stronger after sex
• Thin white, gray, or green discharge
• Burning when you pass urine
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or vaginal itching.
When to see your doctor?
It you have symptoms suggestive of bacterial vaginosis you should see your doctor. A doctor’s visit is warranted if you have any of the following:
• You have vaginal discharge that is new and associated with an odour or fever.
• You have had vaginal infections before, but the colour and consistency of your discharge seems different this time.
• You have multiple sex partners or a recent new partner. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis.
• You try self-treatment for a yeast infection with an over-the-counter treatment and your symptoms persist.
Making the diagnosis?
If you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis you should see your doctor so that a diagnosis can be made and other disorders ruled out. Your doctor would take a medical history and also perform a physical examination to include a pelvic examination. A sample of vaginal secretions might be taken and your doctor may examine the vaginal secretions under a microscope, looking for “clue cells,” vaginal cells covered with bacteria that are a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor may check the acidity of your vagina by placing a pH test strip in your vagina. A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment
B bacterial vaginosis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. It is generally not necessary to treat an infected woman’s male sexual partner, but bacterial vaginosis can spread between female sexual partners. Female partners should seek testing and may need treatment. It is especially important for pregnant women with symptoms to be treated to help decrease the risk of premature delivery or low birth weight. It’s common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. If you have recurrent bacterial vaginosis you should see an experienced gynaecologist.
Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy
If you develop bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy, there is a small chance of complications such as premature birth or miscarriage.
Speak to your obstetrician or your midwife if you are pregnant and your vaginal discharge changes.
Prevention
To help prevent bacterial vaginosis the following are recommended:
• Minimise vaginal irritation. Use mild, nondeodorant soaps and unscented tampons or pads.
• Do not douche. Your vagina does not require cleansing other than normal bathing. Frequent douching disrupts the vaginal balance and may increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching would not clear up a vaginal infection.
• Avoid a sexually transmitted infection. Your partner should use a latex condom. You should limit the number of sex partners or abstain from intercourse to minimise your risk of a sexually transmitted infection.
Conclusion
Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women in the sexual reproductive age group. The exact cause in not known but it is associated with disruption of the normal flora in the vagina. About fifty percent of women who have bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms – and are diagnosed after visiting their gynaecologist. Bacterial vagionsis can be successfully treated, therefore if you have symptoms suggestive of this disorder see your doctor for treatment.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-eight years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
