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Definition
Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina. Although it is usually treated easily, it may be a sign that you have other, more serious conditions. It can also lead to complications, including the following:
- Pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and premature delivery
- Higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease if the bacteria infect the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Higher risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
It is important to contact your doctor if you think you may have bacterial vaginosis.
Vagina
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Causes
Bacterial vaginosis is caused when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Normally, the vagina has helpful bacteria ( lactobacilli ), as well as more harmful bacteria (anaerobesbacteria that do not need oxygen to live).
Sometimes the harmful bacteria overgrow, and not enough helpful bacteria are left in the vagina. The cause of this overgrowth is not understood. In some cases, it may be related to sexual activity through transfer of harmful bacteria from a sexual partner.
Risk Factors The following factors increase your chances of developing bacterial vaginosis: SmokingUsing douches or feminine spraysHaving sex without a condomHaving a new sexual partner or multiple partnersUsing an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control Symptoms Some women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms. Others experience the following symptoms: Abnormal vaginal discharge Color: white or grayConsistency: thinOdor: fish-like, especially after sexBurning feeling while urinatingItching around the vaginaVaginal irritationPain during sexIf you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to bacterial vaginosis. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: A pelvic exam to look for signs of bacterial vaginosisA sample of fluid from the vagina to test for signs of infection TreatmentIt is important to treat bacterial vaginosis if you experience symptoms, or if you are pregnant and do not have any symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Bacterial vaginosis is easily treated with antibiotics, in the form of pills or vaginal creams prescribed by your doctor. Prevention To help reduce your chances of getting bacterial vaginosis, take the following steps: Abstain from sex or remain monogamous (have only one sexual partner).Use condoms during sex.Do not use douches or feminine sprays.Visit your doctor for regular pelvic exams.To avoid a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, finish all medication prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms go away.Wash diaphragms and other reusable birth control devices thoroughly after use.Avoid wearing panty hose and other clothing that can trap moisture in the vagina.After bowel movements, wipe from front to back (away from the vagina). RESOURCES: EngenderHealthhttp://www.engenderhealth.org/index.html Sexually Transmitted Diseases Home PageCenters for Disease Control and Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm Women's Health.govhttp://www.4women.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: Sexualityandu.cahttp://www.sexualityandu.ca/home_e.aspx Women's Health Mattershttp://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm References: Bacterial vaginosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/BV/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm . Accessed September 22, 2005.
Bacterial vaginosis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf?opendatabase . Accessed September 22, 2005. Bacterial vaginosis. EngenderHealth website. Available at http://engenderhealth.org/wh/inf/dbac.html . Accessed September 22, 2005. Frequently asked questions about bacterial vaginosis. The National Womens Health Information Center website. Available at http://www.4women.gov/faq/stdbv.pdf . Accessed September 22, 2005. Last reviewed January 2008 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPEPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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