There are many specific conditions that can occur in sexually active women, one of which is bacterial vaginosis (BV).
What is bacterial vaginosis? This condition is a mild vaginal infection. Although not dangerous, BV can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even HIV. In addition, if it occurs during pregnancy, it can cause premature birth and low birth weight.
Here are some things you should know about bacterial vaginosis.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Quoting fromMayo Clinic, definition of bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by an overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina that upsets its balance. VB is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge.
It is important to note that this infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) , but women who experience BV have an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.
In some cases, bacterial vaginosis can go away without any special treatment or care. However, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics in cases of BV.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
Inside the vagina there are different types of bacteria (microbiome), similar to the digestive system. There are ‘good’ bacteria called lactobacilli, and there are also so-called ‘bad’ or anaerobic bacteria.
BV occurs due to the overgrowth of anaerobes in the vagina. If there are too many anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, they will disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the vagina.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
Source: Freepik
About 84% of people with BV do not have any symptoms (asymptomatic). However, the following symptoms may appear:
- Thin, white or gray vaginal discharge
- Pain, itching, or a burning sensation in the vagina
- Strong fishy odor especially after sex or during the menstrual cycle
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Itching around the outside of the vagina
Both BV and yeast infections are vaginal infections characterized by vaginal discharge. To distinguish between the two, the most prominent feature is the smell. Vaginal discharge experienced by people with bacterial vaginosis generally smells fishy and thin, while vaginal discharge due to yeast infections usually does not have a strong odor and is lumpy in texture.
Who Can Get Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal problem in women aged 15 to 44 (of reproductive age). Every woman is at risk for developing BV, but research suggests the risk is higher if a woman:
- Sexually active
- Smoke
- Is pregnant
- Using an Intra-uterine Device (IUD)
- Experiencing premature birth
- Having an infection after surgery such as a hysterectomy
- Experiencing hormonal changes due to menstruation or pregnancy.
- Have a sexually transmitted disease
- Taking antibiotics long term
Other risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include:
Changing Partners
There is still not enough research on the relationship between sexual activity and BV, but the condition is more common in women who have multiple sexual partners. Bacterial vaginosis has also been reported to be more common in women who have sex with men.
Using Vaginal Cleansing Soap
Cleaning the vagina with soap can disrupt the balance of natural bacteria in the vagina. This can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, and cause BV. In addition, the use of scented soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal deodorants can also cause the same thing.
The vagina can basically ‘clean’ itself so using cleansing soap is actually not necessary.
Natural Deficiency of Lactobacilli Bacteria
If the natural environment of the vagina cannot produce enough good lactobacilli bacteria, the risk of experiencing bacterial vaginosis increases.
How it is transmitted
BV is not spread from person to person or contagious, but sexual activity can increase the risk of getting the infection.
It is important to note that bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted, but is related to sexual activity. Experts believe that sexual intercourse can change the bacterial environment in the vagina, making bacterial growth more likely.
Impact of Bacterial Vaginosis on Pregnancy
Source: Freepik
Bacterial vaginosis usually doesn’t cause serious health problems. However, it can cause problems, especially if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 million pregnant women develop BV each year.
Pregnant women have a high risk of experiencing bacterial vaginosis due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
If a pregnant mother experiences VB, then her baby is at higher risk of being born early (premature) and having low birth weight . Premature birth is birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, while low birth weight is when a baby is born weighing less than 2.5 kilograms. Being born too early or too small can cause health problems for the baby.
Women who are planning a pregnancy also need to be aware of bacterial vaginosis. BV can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the uterus that can increase the risk of infertility .
Diagnosis
Consult a doctor if you experience conditions such as:
- Smelly vaginal discharge, may also be accompanied by fever.
- Have had vaginal infections before, but the color and consistency of the discharge is different from what is happening now.
- Having multiple sexual partners or new partners.
- Have tried to treat vaginal discharge myself but no results.
Your doctor can help determine the cause and identify signs or symptoms of your condition. During the examination, your doctor may also test a sample of vaginal discharge to be tested in a laboratory.
Possible Complications of Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis usually does not cause complications. However, sometimes having this infection can cause:
- Premature birth and babies born with low birth weight.
- Sexually transmitted infections . Having BV makes women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Risk of infection after gynecologic surgery . This condition can increase the risk of developing postoperative infections after procedures such as hysterectomy or dilation and curettage.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease . Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes lead to PID, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that can increase the risk of infertility.
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Source: Freepik
One in three cases of BV resolves without specific treatment. However, proper treatment helps to avoid the increased risk of some of the serious health risks associated with bacterial vaginosis.
If you have symptoms, you should consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment. Doctors usually treat BV with antibiotics. About 10% to 15% of people need other treatments besides antibiotics .
In most cases, antibiotics must be taken for up to seven days to clear the infection. It is important to take all of the medication prescribed by your doctor until it is finished, even if symptoms have disappeared.
Proper treatment of bacterial vaginosis can also reduce the risk of developing other sexually transmitted diseases.
However, the condition can recur even after being treated and cured. About 80% of women tend to experience recurrent BV.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the above conditions:
- Is pregnant
- Just experienced vaginal discharge that smells and is accompanied by fever.
- Have had a vaginal infection, but the vaginal discharge you are experiencing has a different color and texture than before.
- Having a vaginal yeast infection that doesn’t go away even after undergoing self-treatment using over-the-counter medication.
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms can mimic those of other infections. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing the Transmission of Bacterial Vaginosis
Doctors and scientists don’t fully understand how BV spreads or what the best ways to prevent it are. However, basic preventive measures can help lower your risk of BV.
Here are some of them:
1. Minimize Vaginal Irritation
Always use a mild, nondeodorant soap when bathing and unscented tampons or pads.
2. Don’t clean the vagina with cleansing soap
The vagina can clean itself so it does not require additional cleaning other than bathing. Using soap too often can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and can increase the risk of vaginal infections. If you already have an infection, soap will not help treat it.
3. Avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections
It is best to avoid changing partners or not having sex at all to minimize the risk of sexually transmitted infections or vaginal infections.
4. Maintain Vaginal Cleanliness
Always try to keep your vagina clean and make sure that any objects that touch your anus are cleaned before coming into contact with your vagina. Toilet paper and sex toys can transfer bacteria into your vagina.
When cleaning the vagina after urinating, rinse from front to back. Also, make sure sex toys are properly cleaned after use.
Wear cotton underwear. Bacteria thrive in moist environments. Cotton underwear can help wick away moisture.
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Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection that is basically harmless. However, if you experience unusual vaginal discharge, it could be that you have a vaginal infection. Therefore, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment. Hope this helps!
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
