Description

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause pain and discomfort in the vagina. This occurs when the natural bacteria levels are out of balance. The equilibrium levels of bacteria help to keep the vagina healthy. But when the excess of some bacteria to grow, it can lead to BV .

Bacterial vaginosis can occur at any age. But it is most common during the reproductive years. The changes in hormones during this time that make it easier for certain types of bacteria to grow. Also, bacterial vaginosis is more common among those who are sexually active. It is not clear why this is. But activities such as unprotected sex and douching, increase your risk of BV .

Symptoms

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

  • Thin, vaginal discharge that may be gray, white or green.
  • Evil-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor.
  • Vaginal Itching.
  • Burning during urination.

Many people with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment to see a health professional if:

  • Your vaginal discharge unusual odors and discomfort. Your doctor can help find the cause of your symptoms.
  • You've had vaginal infections before, but that its output seems to be different this time.
  • You have a new sexual partner or sexual partners different. Sometimes, the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STIS) are the same as those of bacterial vaginosis.
  • I thought I had a yeast infection, but you still have symptoms after self-treatment.

Causes

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the vagina's natural bacteria levels are out of balance. The bacteria in the vagina is called the vaginal flora. Balanced vaginal flora helps keep the vagina healthy. Usually the "good" bacteria outnumber "bad" bacteria. The good bacteria called lactobacilli; the bad bacteria are anaerobic. When there are too many anaerobic, which alter the balance of the flora, which cause bacterial vaginosis.

Risk factors

Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include:

  • Having multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. The link between sex and the bacterial vaginosis is not clear. But BV happens most often when someone has a different or new sexual partners. Also, BV is more common when the sex of the partner is a woman.
  • Douching. The vagina is self-cleaning. So rinse your vagina with water or something else is not necessary. It can even cause problems. Douching disrupts the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. It can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, that cause bacterial vaginosis.
  • Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria. If the vagina does not produce enough of lactobacilli, which are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis.

Complications

Bacterial vaginosis does not cause complications very often. But sometimes, having BV can lead to:

  • Sexually transmitted infections. If you have BV , you have a higher risk of contracting an STI . STI's including HIV , herpes simplex virus, chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you have HIV , bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of transmitting the virus to your partner.
  • The risk of infection after gynecologic surgery. Having BV can increase the risk of developing an infection after the surgery, such as hysterectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C).
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes cause PID . This infection of the uterus and the fallopian tubes increases the risk of infertility.
  • Pregnancy problems. Previous studies have shown a possible link between BV and problems with the pregnancy. These include premature birth and low birth weight. New studies show that these risks may be due to other reasons. These reasons include having a history of premature delivery. But the studies agree that the test should be performed if you notice symptoms of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. If it is positive, your doctor can choose the best treatment for you.

Prevention

To help prevent bacterial vaginosis:

  • Do not use perfumed products. Wash your genitals with warm water only. Soaps and other scented products can inflame the vaginal tissues. Use unscented pads or towels only.
  • Do not use douches. Douching is not a vaginal infection. You can even make it worse. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing other than normal bathing. Douching alters the vaginal flora, increasing your risk of infection.
  • The practice of safe sex. To reduce the risk of STI's, the use of latex condoms or dental dams. Clean any type of sex toys. Limit the number of sexual partners you have or not to have sex.

Diagnosis

To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may:

  • Ask questions about your medical history. Your doctor may ask about any vaginal infections or STI's has had before.
  • Perform a pelvic exam. In the first place, your doctor will examine your vagina for signs of infection. Then, the doctor will feel your pelvic organs. This is done by inserting two fingers into the vagina while pressing on the area of the stomach, also called the abdomen with the other hand.
  • Take a sample of vaginal discharge. This sample will be tested for "clue cells." Clue cells are vaginal cells covered in bacteria. These are a sign of BV .
  • Test your vaginal pH. The acidity of the vagina that can be tested with a strip of pH. Place the test strip in your vagina. A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment

For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:

  • Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medication comes in the form of a pill or topical gel. To swallow the pill, but the gel is inserted into the vagina. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while using this medication and for a full day after. May cause nausea or stomach pain. See the instructions on the product.
  • Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others). This medication comes in the form of a cream that is inserted into the vagina. Or you can use the pill or suppository. The cream and suppositories can weaken latex condoms. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the medicine. Or to use another method of birth control.
  • Tinidazole (Tindamax). Take this medicine by mouth. May cause upset stomach. So avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least three days after the end of treatment.
  • Secnidazole (Solosec). This is an antibiotic eating once with the food. Comes as a packet of the granules that you sprinkle on soft food, such as applesauce, pudding or yogurt. Eat the mixture within 30 minutes. But be careful not to crush or chew the granules.

Usually, treatment is not necessary for a couple whose sex is male. But BV can be extended to the partners whose sex is female. For this reason, the testing and treatment may be needed if a partner has symptoms.

Take your medicine or using the cream or gel during the time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. If you stop treatment early, the BV can come back. This is called recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

Recurrence

It is common for bv to come back in 3 months to 12 months, even with proper treatment. The researchers are exploring options for recurrent BV . If the symptoms return after treatment, talk with your health care team. It may be possible for you to take the widespread use of metronidazole therapy.

There may be some benefit for probiotics, but more information is needed. In a randomized trial, the probiotics were no better than a treatment that does not contain medication, called a placebo, in the detention of recurrent BV . So probiotics are not recommended as a treatment option for bacterial vaginosis.

Preparing for your appointment

Try to schedule your appointment on a day when you do not have your period. The bleeding of a period can leave it to your doctor to see your vaginal discharge with clarity. For 24 hours prior to your appointment, do not use tampons or vaginal sprays and do not douche or have sex.

What you can do

Here are some tips to make the best use of your time with your provider:

  • The list of its symptoms. Include all of them. Even if you don't think that is related.
  • The list of your medicines and supplements. This includes vitamins and herbs. State how often to take and how much to take.
  • Take notes. Carry a notebook or device with the follow-up of important information during your visit.
  • Have questions ready. The list of your most important questions first.

For bacterial vaginosis, some basic questions to ask include:

  • Can I do something to prevent bacterial vaginosis?
  • What symptoms should I look for?
  • Do I need to take the medicine?
  • In the event that my partner to be tested, or treatment?
  • There are special instructions for taking the medicine?
  • Are there any products that I can buy without a prescription, to treat my condition?
  • What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you do not understand something.

Questions your doctor may ask

Be prepared to answer the questions that your doctor may have, such as:

  • What symptoms do you have?
  • How long have you had your symptoms?
  • How to note a strong vaginal odor?
  • Have you ever been treated for a vaginal infection?
  • Have you tried any of the products that you can buy without a prescription to treat your condition?
  • Have you recently taken antibiotics for any reason?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Does the use of scented soaps or bubble bath?
  • How to use douches or feminine hygiene spray?
Symptoms and treatment of Bacterial vaginosis