Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common disorder that brings women to see their gynaecologist. Contrary to common belief, this is not a sexual transmitted disease/infection, but it can increase your risk of getting a sexually infection such as chlamydia. Fortunately, bacterial vaginosis can be successfully treated once correctly diagnosed.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upset the natural balance.
Women in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
The cause is not completely understood at this time but, certain activities, such as unprotected sex or frequent douching, increase your risk. Many clinicians feel that bacterial vaginosis results from overgrowth of one of several bacteria naturally found in your vagina. Usually, “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber “bad” bacteria (anaerobes), but if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis.
What are some symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong “fishy” smell, particularly after sex.
The woman may notice a change in colour and consistency of vaginal discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
It should be noted that 50% of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching.
What are some risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?
Women in the reproductive period can develop bacterial vaginosis, but there are a few risk factors that increase a woman’s chances of getting bacterial vaginosis. They include the following:
• Having multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Doctors do not fully understand the link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, but the condition occurs more often in women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Bacterial vaginosis also occurs more frequently in women who have sex with women.
• Douching. The practice of rinsing out your vagina with water, or a cleansing agent (douching), upsets the natural balance of your vagina. This can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and cause bacterial vaginosis. Since the vagina is self-cleaning, douching is not necessary – and should be discouraged in all females.
• Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria. If your natural vaginal environment does not produce enough of the good lactobacilli bacteria, you are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms suggestive of bacterial vaginosis, see your doctor. Your gynaecologist will be able to make the diagnosis and rule out other disorders that can mimic bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment
Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or gels or creams.
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.
What can you do
To help relieve symptoms, and prevent bacterial vaginosis returning, the following are recommended:
• use water and plain soap to wash your genital area
• have showers instead of baths
Women are advised to do the following:
• do not use perfumed soaps, bubble bath, shampoo or shower gel in the bath
• do not use vaginal deodorants, washes or douches
• do not put antiseptic liquids in the bath
• do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear
• do not smoke
Recurring bacterial vaginosis
It is common for bacterial vaginosis to come back, usually within three months. Your gynaecologist might recommend a longer course of treatment and identify any factors that are causing repeat infections.
Conclusion
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal inflammatory disorder that happens when some normal bacteria that live in the vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms include an off-white or grey vaginal discharge that smells “fishy.” In some women, in a few cases bacterial vaginosis goes away without treatment – in others, antibiotics successfully treat this infection.
Ask Your Doctor 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 is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
