Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis occurrs when the amount of healthy bacteria in the vagina becomes unbalanced. The anaerobic bacteria and lactobacillus bacteria are normally present in the vagina. When the anaerobic bacteria overgrow, the growth of lactobacillus is inhibited. This causes a myriad of unpleasant symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis can only be confirmed by a doctor and is easily treated. The cause of bacterial vaginosis is unclear. However, since it can be spread by sexual contact, bacterial vaginosis is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
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Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
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The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are similar to that of a yeast infection: itching and vaginal discharge. Some women with a case of bacterial vaginosis believe that they have a yeast infection and treat themselves with an over-the-counter product to no avail. If a woman experiences symptoms of yeast infection along with a gray discharge, burning upon urination or a discharge with a fishy odor, a visit to the gynecologist is needed. Symptoms may be exacerbated by sexual intercourse.
Bacterial Vaginosis and Other STDs
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It is easier for a woman to acquire and pass on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, if she is infected with bacterial vaginosis.
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Risk Factors for Bacterial Vaginosis
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Douching, having multiple sex partners or having a new sexual relationship place a woman at risk for bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotic use may also interrupt the levels of healthy bacteria in the vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis. A woman can also acquire bacterial vaginosis through unprotected sex.
Pregnancy and Bacterial Vaginosis
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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are more likely to have low birth weight or premature babies. Bacterial vaginosis also increases the risk of miscarriage. Bacterial vaginosis can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Women with PID are likely to suffer from ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis
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Bacterial vaginosis can only be confirmed by a doctor. The doctor will perform a pelvic examination and take swabs of the vaginal discharge. This doctor views the discharge under a microscope to look for bacterial overgrowth. The doctor may mix some of the discharge with potassium hydroxide to make the fishy odor more pronounced.
Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis
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Bacterial vaginosis is treated with the antibiotics metronidazole or clindamycin. The patient will advised to avoid sex during treatment to prevent reinfection. The doctor will advise the patient to avoid douching.
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