Bacterial Vaginosis
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by a high quantity of certain bacteria. The balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria within the vagina is disrupted.
How does someone get Bacterial Vaginosis?
The exact cause of Bacterial Vaginosis is unknown. However, there are risk factors that might predispose you to developing the disease. These include:
- If you are sexually active.
- If you have new sexual partner.
- Having multiple sexual partners.
- "Douching". Cleansing one’s vagina with water or soap may upset the natural bacterial balance of your vagina. This can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and can cause bacterial vaginosis. The vagina is self-cleaning and douching is not required.
- Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria. You are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis if you do not have enough protective "good bacteria" such as lactobacilli.
- Oral sex.
- Smoking.
- If you already have an STI.
- Bacterial Vaginosis cannot be spread from pools, toilet seats or bedding.
- Approximately 50% of women are asymptomatic.
How can I reduce my risk of developing Bacterial Vaginosis?
- Not having sex.
- Limiting the number of sexual partners.
- Avoid douching.
- Use latex condoms properly.
Symptoms:
However, if you DO develop symptoms, these may include:
- An unusually bad smelling vagina - often described to be "fishy". This fishy smell is particularly prominent after sex.
- Vaginal discharge which is grey or white with a thin consistency.
- Itching around the outside of the vagina.
- Burning when urinating.
How is Bacterial Vaginosis treated?
Bacterial Vaginosis will sometimes go away on its own without treatment. However, if you have symptoms, it is important to visit the gynaecologist and get treated for this condition.
Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Treatment may reduce the incidence of other STIs. Bacterial Vaginosis may recur after treatment. Male sex partners generally do not require treatment.
Treatment is especially indicated for persons who are symptomatic, about to undergo any surgical procedure or pregnant.
What are the complications of Bacterial Vaginosis?
- Pregnants who suffer from bacterial vaginosis are more likely to have children who are born early (preterm) or low in birth weight.
- The presence of bacterial vaginosis increases your risk of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, HSV, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Bacterial Vaginosis also increases your chances of transferring STIs such as HIV to your partner.
- Infection risk after gynaecological surgery - Having Bacterial Vaginosis makes it more susceptible to developing infections after surgeries such as hysterectomies.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Bacterial Vaginosis can sometimes lead to PID. PID is an infection of the womb that may lead to problems regarding fertility.
Reference List:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31901667/