Bacterial Vaginosis: What You Need to Know If You're Pregnant (or Trying to Conceive)

How do you know if you have bacterial vaginosis (BV)? Can it affect pregnancy? What does BV discharge look like? Can BV go away on its own while pregnant?

Though it is the most common type of pregnancy infection, mums-to-be still need to be aware of how bacterial vaginosis (can affect pregnancy.

A woman’s vagina has natural “good bacteria” (lactobacilli) and a few “bad bacteria” (anaerobes), which exist in harmony. But once this balance is disrupted and the bad bacteria multiply, it results in infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis.

Aside from being the most common vaginal infection during pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis is also the most common infection in women aged 15 to 44.

About half of women affected by this infection show no symptoms. But others experience itching, odour, burning or pain. Once detected, doctors usually recommend antibiotics or oral/topical medication. Those who do not undergo any treatment are at risk for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy complications, like preterm labour or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, clarifies Jeanne Faulkner, R.N. in an article for Fit Pregnancy, but it is commonly seen in women who’ve recently changed sexual partners.

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It’s often caused by an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria, which leads to an increase in bad bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria.

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis

Causes of bacterial vaginosis include changes in the amount of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. BV can develop when the vagina has more harmful bacteria than good bacteria.

Women may be more at risk for BV if they have a new sex partner, multiple sex partners, douche, do not use condoms or dental dams, are pregnant, or are African-American.

Researchers are still studying how women get BV, but it is more common in sexually active women, especially those with new sex partners or multiple partners, and those who douche.

Bacterial vaginosis can also be associated with the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) and irregular bleeding. Maintaining good vaginal hygiene and avoiding douching and unprotected sex are recommended to lower the risk of BV.

Bacterial Vaginosis vs Yeast Infection

These two, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are two different types of vaginal infections, but they affect the balance of normal bacteria in your vagina. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria that can cause an imbalance in the pH levels of your vagina. 

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans, which also causes changes to the pH levels in your vagina. BV and yeast infections have similar symptoms, including itching, burning and discharge from the vagina.

While you can have both at once, they are very different conditions requiring different treatment forms. BV can be treated with antibiotics, while yeast infections are typically treated with antifungal medicines such as fluconazole or clotrimazole. 

You should always check with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements for your symptoms, as some treatments may not work for both conditions.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis Contagious

Image courtesy: iStock

BV itself is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it can increase the risk of acquiring other STDs. BV rarely affects those who have never had sex.

The condition may not always present symptoms, but if it does, they may include thin white or grey vaginal discharge, pain, itching, a strong fish-like odour (especially after sex), a burning sensation during urination, and itching around the vagina.

Avoiding certain risk factors, such as limiting sex partners, not douching, and using condoms correctly, can help lower the risk of getting BV.

Male sex partners of women with BV do not require treatment, but BV can spread between female partners. Seeking treatment is essential to avoid potential health risks associated with BV, including the transmission of other STDs and complications during pregnancy.

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, if you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have bacterial vaginosis:

• Vaginal odour or discharge that has a “fishy” smell
• Thin, white, and watery vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese
• Itching or irritation of the vagina or vulva area
• Burning pain when urinating or having sex
• Pain during menstrual periods

Bacterial Vaginosis Discharge

Discharge is a normal thing. Most women have it, but if you feel like your discharge is different than usual or has changed in colour or consistency, it’s probably worth getting checked out.

Grey Discharge During Pregnancy

Grey discharge during pregnancy may indicate bacterial vaginosis. BV is characterised by a bacterial imbalance in the vagina and is the most common vaginal infection during childbearing years. If the grey discharge has a fishy smell that becomes stronger following intercourse, it is more likely to be associated with BV.

Pregnancy discharge

How to Test for Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can be easily diagnosed and treated.

To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Perform a pelvic exam, which includes an examination of the vagina and cervix (the opening from the uterus to the outside of the body)
• Take a sample of vaginal discharge for testing

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, it’s important to treat the condition as soon as possible. While it’s not usually serious, bacterial vaginosis can lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, which can be treated with antibiotics. But before you start taking those antibiotics, make sure you know which type works best for you. The most common types are metronidazole and clindamycin. Both work well in most cases but have some differences:

Metronidazole has fewer side effects than clindamycin, but it may take longer for your symptoms to go away. It also has a higher risk of causing a vaginal yeast infection when used long-term (more than two weeks).

Clindamycin is more likely than metronidazole to cause side effects like nausea or diarrhoea, especially if taken with food or milk products. It’s also more likely to cause vaginal yeast infections when used long-term (more than two weeks). The good news is that these side effects usually go away once treatment ends!

How to Treat Bacterial Vaginosis at Home

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics, but there are other things you can do to help prevent it from happening again and keep your risk low:

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before touching yourself or anyone else’s genitals.
• Avoid using scented products like soap or body wash near your vagina or anus because these products may irritate your skin. Instead, use unscented soaps and water during showering or bathing.
• Avoid using douches or feminine sprays because they can upset the balance of bacteria found naturally within your vagina and cause irritation or infection.

Why Are Pregnant Women More Prone to Developing Bacterial Vaginosis?

About 10 to 30 per cent of pregnant women will be infected at least once. This is because many changes are occurring in a woman’s body, including her vagina’s natural PH and flora.

Though doctors don’t normally screen for BV during the prenatal period, it’s important to know that it is still a concern. Though rare, there have been cases of the infection travelling from the vagina to the cervix, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

Complications for Pregnant Women

This results in a painful condition known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. If this causes scarring or blockage, it could lead to ectopic pregnancy or infertility. So it’s important to treat it before it spreads.

Other rare complications that pregnant women with this infection should be aware of are premature labour, late miscarriage and premature rupture of membranes.

Can BV go away on its own while pregnant?

During pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis can sometimes resolve on its own, but it’s crucial to keep a close eye on symptoms and consult with your healthcare provider. While some cases may clear up without intervention, leaving BV untreated can pose risks, including preterm birth or low birth weight.

Regular prenatal check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor and address any changes in your vaginal health during pregnancy. If you suspect you have BV, seeking professional guidance ensures the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby.

How to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy

The following are measures to reduce your risk of developing this infection.

• Keep your vaginal bacteria balanced

When washing the outside of your vagina, use warm water without soap because even mild ones can irritate. Wipe from front to back and wear cotton underpants to keep the area cool and comfortable.

• Don’t douche

The normal bacteria that helps fight vaginal infection is washed away during douching.

• Safe sex

Though abstinence is still best to avoid the spread of bacterial vaginosis, practising safe sex is also a good measure. Use condoms, birth control pills, implants or diaphragms.

• Make sure you are tested for STDs

To avoid all types of infection and disease, ensure you and your partner are tested for STDs, so you can detect infection as early as possible.

Always consult your gynaecologist for proper guidance and ensure you have a healthy and happy delivery.

Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.

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