Bacterial Vaginosis – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments

Bacterial Vaginosis – What it is, Symptoms and  Drug Treatments. Furthermore, Bacterial Vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which alters the natural balance. Women in their reproductive years are more likely to have Bacterial Vaginosis , but it can affect women of any age. The cause is not fully understood, but certain activities, such as unprotected sex or frequent duplication, increase your risk. Recent studies suggest that Bacterial Vaginosis may be related to the occurrence of premature births.

During pregnancy, it is normal for there to be an increase in vaginal secretion , however, if the pregnant woman notices any changes, especially in the odor, she should inform her doctor. “Pathogenic bacteria existing in the genital tract can end up colonizing the tissues that correspond, for example, to the water bag. This infection promotes the production of pro-inflammatory substances that can trigger both contractions and the rupture of the water bag”, he concludes.

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial  Vaginosis results in the overgrowth of one of several bacteria naturally found in the vagina. Normally, “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) are more numerous than “bad” bacteria (anaerobes). But, if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in the vagina and cause Bacterial Vaginosis .

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis:  The signs and symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis can include:

• Thin, gray, white, or green vaginal discharge
• “Suspicious” vaginal odor
• vaginal itching
• Burning during urination

Many women with Bacterial Vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.

Bacterial Vaginosis Risk Factors: Risk  factors for Bacterial Vaginosis  include:

• Having multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner. Doctors don’t fully understand the link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis , but the condition occurs more often in women who have multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner. Bacterial Vaginosis also occurs more frequently in women who have sex with women.
• shower. The practice of rinsing your vagina with water or a cleansing agent (duplication) upsets your vagina’s natural balance. This can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and cause Bacterial Vaginosis . Since the vagina is self-cleaning, douching is not necessary.
• Natural lack of lactobacillus bacteria. If your natural vaginal environment does not produce enough of the good lactobacillus bacteria, you are more likely to develop Bacterial Vaginosis .

Complications of Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial  Vaginosis usually does not cause any complications. Sometimes having Bacterial Vaginosis can lead to:

• Premature birth. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature births and low birth weight babies.
• Sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial vaginosis makes women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you have HIV, bacterial vaginosis increases the chances that you will pass the virus to your partner.
• Risk of infection after gynecological surgery. Having bacterial vaginosis can increase your risk of developing a postsurgical infection after procedures such as a hysterectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C).
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes cause PID, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that can increase the risk of infertility.

When to See a Doctor:  Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

• You have a new vaginal discharge that is associated with an odor or fever. Your doctor can help determine the cause and identify signs and symptoms.
• You’ve had vaginal infections before, but the color and consistency of your high looks different this time.
• You have multiple sexual partners or a recent new partner. Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are similar to those of Bacterial Vaginosis .
• You try to self-treat a yeast infection with an over-the-counter treatment and your symptoms persist.

Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis:  To diagnose Bacterial Vaginosis , your doctor may:

• Ask questions about your medical history. Your doctor may ask about any previous vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections.
• Get a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually examines your vagina for signs of infection and inserts two fingers into your vagina while pressing down on your abdomen with your other hand to check your pelvic organs for signs that could indicate disease.
• Take a sample of vaginal secretions. This can be done to check for an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in your vaginal flora. Your doctor may examine vaginal secretions under a microscope, looking for “key cells,” vaginal cells covered with bacteria that are a sign of bacterial vaginosis .
• Test your vaginal pH. Your doctor can check your vagina’s acidity by placing a pH test strip in your vagina. A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of Bacterial Vaginosis .

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments:  To treat Bacterial Vaginosis , your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:

• Metronidazole. This medicine can be taken as a tablet by mouth (oral). Metronidazole is also available as a topical gel that you insert into your vagina. To reduce the risk of stomach pain, abdominal pain or nausea while using this medication, avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least one day after treatment ends – check the instructions on the product.
• Clindamycin. This medication is available as a cream that you insert into your vagina. Clindamycin cream can weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the cream.
• Tinidazole. This medicine is taken orally. Tinidazole has the same potential for stomach pain and nausea as oral metronidazole, avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least one day after treatment ends. It is usually not necessary to treat an infected woman’s sex partner, but bacterial vaginosis can spread between female sex partners. Partners should seek testing and may need treatment. It is especially important for pregnant women with symptoms to be treated to help lower their risk of premature delivery or low birth weight.

Take your medicine or use the cream or gel as long as your doctor prescribes it – even if your symptoms go away. Stopping treatment early can increase the risk of recurrence.

Recurrence:  It is common for Bacterial Vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis . If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk to your doctor about treatments. One option may be prolonged – use metronidazole therapy.

A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy – which attempts to increase the number of good bacteria in the vagina and restore a balanced vaginal environment – ​​possibly carried out by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli. While current research shows that there may be some benefit to probiotic therapy, more research is needed on the subject.

Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis:  To help prevent Bacterial Vaginosis :

• Minimize vaginal irritation. Use mild, non-deodorant soaps and unscented tampons or pads.
• No shower. Your vagina does not require cleaning other than a normal bath. frequent douching disrupts vaginal balance and can increase the risk of vaginal infection . A douching will not clear up a vaginal infection .
• Avoid a sexually transmitted infection. Use a male latex condom, limit your number of sexual partners, or abstain from sexual intercourse to minimize your risk of a sexually transmitted infection.