What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis? Symptoms & Treatment

Introduction

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most prevalent vaginal conditions for women of reproductive age. Vaginal infections occur when the natural vaginal flora is out of balance. While BV is not a severe condition, the symptoms are bothersome. Knowing the factors that cause BV, how it is formed, and how it can be controlled can improve the overall health and comfort of the vagina.

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

The vagina contains a mixture of various bacteria. In a healthy vagina, the dominant bacteria are of the species Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus helps the vagina maintain its acidity. This is important as the acidity prevents the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria, and helps the vagina neutralize incoming infections.

Bacterial vaginosis has developed when the balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted, and Gardnerella vaginalis and other harmful bacteria are able to proliferate.

While aggravating symptoms are not uncommon, the condition is not harmful. Vaginal infections can be irritating, odorous, and cause unusual discharges. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition for women of reproductive age and it does have a tendency to recur after treatment.

How Common Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

More people than you might think experience bacterial vaginosis (BV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 33% of women aged 14-49 in the US have had bacterial vaginosis. Globally, bacterial vaginosis affects millions of women and most of those cases go undiagnosed due to the absence of, or mild symptoms.

Even in the absence of symptoms, bacterial vaginosis can still pose a risk for other infections. Because of this, it is vital to have awareness surrounding bacterial vaginosis and have regular checkups.

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?

As mentioned, the primary cause of bacterial vaginosis is the imbalance of the vaginal microbiome. There are a number of lifestyle and health factors that cause this imbalance, including:

• Sexual activity: A new partner or multiple partners can change the vaginal flora.
• Douching: This is a method of vaginal cleansing that in fact removes good protective bacteria and increases vaginal pH.
• Using irritants or scented products: Soap and body sprays that contain fragrances can irritate the vaginal tissues.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuation of bacteria during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger bacterial vaginosis.
• Smoking: The immune system is affected by the constituents of tobacco and can increase the risk for bacterial vaginosis.

BV can also develop in individuals who are not sexually active. The primary problem is the internal shift of bacterial balance, rather than the presence of an external infection alone.

Who can get BV considering…

The truth is that BV can develop in anyone with a vagina but there are conditions that increase the chances of acquiring the condition.

• Age (15-44)
• New and/or multiple sexual partners.
• IUD use
• Use of scented hygiene items and/or douching
• Past history of BV and/or vaginal infections.

Notable is the fact that the condition is also experienced in postmenopausal women and that can be attributed to vaginal hormonal changes.

What are the symptoms of BV?

The symptoms of BV can vary from mild to severe. The overgrowth of bacteria that are usually harmless in the vagina can trigger the condition. BV is unique in that the person can have no symptoms while others can have discharge and odor.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis Contagious?

While Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) isn’t QBQ’s (Quarantine Bacterial Vaginosis) still isn’t the same as a cold or a flu, it can still pass from partner to partner during sexual activity. It might be the case that union genital contact leads to a spread of the bacteria, but again, BV can form without sexual activity.

Given as the case is a reminence of an infection or a foreign contact infection. The only thing is, BV is a reminence of an infection or a foreign contact infection. It is still advisable to safe sexual contact and personal safe sexual hygiene.

Bacterial Vaginosis Risk Factors

Here are a few risk factors of BV:

• New or Multiple sexual contact.
• Vaginal douching or use of perfume hygiene products.
• Cigarette Smoking.
• Weak immune systems or previous vaginal infections.

BV infection is reminence of an infection or foreign contact. The only thing safe sexual hygiene will be the best method to damage in to set the vaginal centre or to block reminence of the infection in contact.

How Do You Treat Bacterial Vaginosis?

• Medications such as Metronidazole Flagyl 200mg and Flagyl 400mg or Clindamycin are commonly prescribed to eliminate the bacteria causing BV.
• It is important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning.
• Taking probiotics or eating natural yogurt can help restore healthy bacteria in the vagina.
• Avoiding douching, scented soaps, and harsh hygiene products helps maintain a balanced vaginal environment.
• Practicing safe sex reduces the risk of reinfection or complications.
• Maintaining good overall hygiene supports recovery and helps prevent future episodes of BV.

When to See a doctor

• Persistent discharge, Odor, and itching of the vagina can be a sign that you need to see a clinician. A timely diagnosis can minimize the risk of reproductive health complications, such as PID.
• Medical attention is essential, in this case, to minimize possible complications in the pregnancy like preterm labour.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis an STD or STI?

• No, bacterial vaginosis is not an STD or STI, though it can increase the risk of acquiring an STI, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, or HIV, as it compromises the vagina’s defenses.
• Adhering to good hygienic practices, barrier protection during sexual intercourse, and regular screening will minimize the risk of reinfection.

Final Words

Though frustrating, the good news is that the condition is not dangerous if managed appropriately. The most important thing is to strike a balance. Maintain a good hygiene, don’t use irritants, like strong soaps, don’t douche, and provide medical personnel with the necessary information to make a timely diagnosis.