What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial
vaginosis is an overgrowth of several bacteria that normally exist
in the vagina. In the past, bacterial vaginosis was called nonspecific
vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis, Haemophilus vaginitis, Corynebacterium
vaginitis, and anaerobic vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is generally
not thought to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because
it occurs in women who are not sexually active. We include it here
because it is more common in women who are sexually active and because
the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be similar to the symptoms
of other STIs.
What causes it?
The exact
cause of bacterial vaginosis is unknown. There could be a variety
of causes. No single organism causes it. It is a condition in which
the natural balance of organisms found in the vagina changes. The
healthy vagina normally contains a variety of bacteria. One kind
of bacteria, known as lactobacillus, is particularly important.
Lactobacilli keep the vagina slightly acidic to help reduce the
growth of potentially harmful organisms. Women who have bacterial
vaginosis lose this protection and have both a large increase in
the number of potentially harmful bacteria and a large decrease
in the numbers of normal, protective lactobacilli in their vagina.
This change in numbers and kinds of bacteria is believed to be the
cause of bacterial vaginosis.
Is it common?
Bacterial
vaginosis is widely believed to be even more common than yeast infections.
It is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection affecting
from 10% to 64% of the female population at any given time.
What are the symptoms?
Nearly
half of all women with bacterial vaginosis will experience no symptoms
at all. When a woman has symptoms, the most common complaint is
a foul or "fishy" smelling vaginal odor. This odor frequently
increases following intercourse. In a recent survey of medical providers,
more than half said that the most common complaint from women with
bacterial vaginosis is vaginal odor. Another common symptom is an
excessive white or gray discharge with a milk-like consistency that
can stain undergarments.
How is it diagnosed?
A medical
provider can detect bacterial vaginosis by examining vaginal secretions
under a microscope and checking pH. Occasionally, bacterial vaginosis
will be incidentally picked up on a routine Pap smear.
How is it treated?
Your medical
provider may prescribe a medicine you can use vaginally for a prescribed
length of time. Sometimes bacterial vaginosis is treated with oral
medications. It is important to take the medicine as directed and
to abstain from sexual contact until the treatment is completed.
Are there any complications associated
with bacterial vaginosis?
Women
with bacterial vaginosis may have increased risk of developing pelvic
inflammatory disease, a condition which may require hospitalization.
Complications, including infertility, pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy,
may also occur with pelvic inflammatory disease. There is also an
increased risk of developing bacterial vaginosis following gynecological
surgery.
Does my partner need to be treated?
Since
bacterial vaginosis is not thought to be caused by sexual intercourse,
most medical providers will not treat your sexual partner. If your
infection should return, your medical provider may recommend treating
your partner.
What can I do to help prevent recurrences?
As with
yeast infections and the common cold, many women will experience
recurrences of bacterial vaginosis. It is unclear why or how these
recurrences or relapses occur. Some general suggestions for good
vaginal health include:
Avoid
spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina. After a bowel
movement, wipe from front to back, away from the vagina.
Clean
the vulva thoroughly and keep it dry
Avoid
douching and using irritating agents such as feminine hygiene
sprays and harsh soaps.
Avoid
tight jeans, panty hose without a cotton crotch or other clothing
that can trap moisture.
Links you can use
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