Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be an unpleasant condition. Though it can also be the cause of embarrassment, it is actually the most common vaginal infection, more common then yeast infections.

How Bacterial Vaginosis Develops

Under normal conditions the vagina sustains a natural balance of bacteria, however this balance can be disturbed and if harmful bacteria over populates, BV develops. Over growth of Garddnerella is one of the harmful bacteria that can be responsible for this condition and as such BV is also known as Garderella Vaginalis. A decrease in the good bacteria such as Lactobacilli which keeps the vagina slightly acidic will also allow overgrowth of the bad bacteria.

Contracting Bacterial Vaginosis

Though it is understood how BV develops, it is more of a mystery as to how the imbalance of bacteria occurs to begin with.

We do know however that BV can affect all woman and that factors suspected of raising the risk of developing BV include

• Multiple sexual partners
• Oral Sex
• Douching (rinsing of the vagina)
• Stress

BV does not appear to be a sexually transmitted condition though it seems to develop as a result of sexual activity. This can include non-penile penetration such as toys or fingers. It can develop just as easily if a woman have had only one sexual partner or use protection at all times.

Symptoms/Signs

In order for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis to be positive there must be an over growth of vaginal bacteria and discharge or odour. Signs of BV include

• Abnormal discharge: Watery,milky, grey or white
• Unpleasant strong odour from the vagina: Possibly worse after intercourse, especially if it is unprotected. The odour has been compared by some woman to fish
• Itching
• Burning during urination

Some woman may be completely unaware they have BV, the symptoms including the discharge and odor unoticable to them. A doctor however will be able to diagnose the condition even if a woman cannot.

Complications and Treatment

Despite being unpleasant, bacterial vaginosis is usually of no danger to women, sometimes passing unnoticed. There are however, situations where if left untreated, BV could lead to further complications

• If a woman is to undergo medical procedures and there is a chance the bacteria could spread elsewhere into the body
• If one is pregnant
   > BV increases the likelihood of premature and underweight births
   > Can infect the uterus and fallopian tubes resulting in infertility

BV can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and increase the likelihood of contracting and developing sexually transmitted diseases such as the HIV virus.

Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and the full prescribed treatment should be taken to avoid recurrence of the infection. Vaginal creams may also be used which change the acidity of the vagina to suppress the growth of bad bacteria. Recurrence is not uncommon and if it occurs a change in medication may help.

Prevention

Because it is not fully understood as to how exactly bacterial vaginosis is contracted, prevention of BV involves reducing the risk of developing it.

• Safe Sex with condoms
• Not practising douching
• Not having sex
• Minimizing sexual partners
• Cleaning sex toys before use in the vagina