Bacterial Vaginosis

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?

The vagina naturally contains a certain amount of bacteria, and when balanced, it works to keep the vagina healthy. However, when bacteria levels become unbalanced, causing excessive bacteria growth, BV can occur. BV is often caused by the bacteria gardnerella vaginalis, which is the most common type of bacteria in the vagina.

BV can affect women of any age, but is more common during a woman’s reproductive years, when hormonal shifts can affect bacteria growth. It is also more common among women who are sexually active. Activities such as unprotected sex, douching or using irritating products in or near the vagina can raise your risk of developing BV. Women who naturally do not produce enough of the bacteria lactobacilli in their vagina are also at higher risk for BV.

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms

Sometimes, women with BV do not experience any symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Vaginal pain or itching.
• Strong or “fishy” vaginal odor.
• Vaginal itching.
• Thin white or gray vaginal discharge.
• Burning sensation while urinating.

Though complications are not common, sometimes BV can lead to:

• A higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Infection after gynecological surgery.
• Pregnancy complications, such as early delivery and low birth weight.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

BV Diagnosis & Treatment

If you experience any symptoms of BV, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They will ask you questions about your medical history, including other vaginal infections or sexual transmitted diseases, as well as ask about your symptoms. Additionally, the may perform a pelvic exam, test your vaginal pH, take a sample of vaginal discharge or order other lab tests.

Luckily, BV can be easily treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin. These are usually in the form of a gel or cream that is inserted in the vagina; oral antibiotics may sometimes be prescribed as well.

Because BV infections tend to come back, it is important to take the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve before finishing the medication. Even with proper treatment, BV recurrence is common. To help prevent BV infections and recurrence, you should:

• Avoid douching
• Avoid the use of deodorants or other scented or irritating products near or in the vagina
• Practice safe sex, including using latex condoms and/or limiting your number of sexual partners