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Micrograph of bacterial vaginosis — squamous cells of the cervix covered with rod-shaped bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis (arrows).
Description
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also sometimes called anaerobic vaginal discharge, non-specific vaginal discharge or Gardnerella vaginal discharge. BV is one of the most common vaginal infections.
Causes
Although the exact causes of BV are unknown, it is caused when the delicate eco-system of the vagina is upset because of the rapid growth of several kinds of bacteria that normally live in the vagina.
Small organisms called Lactobacilli help to keep the pH at the right level, but using antibiotics, soaps and even having sex can leave the vagina more alkaline, thereby encouraging bacterial growth.
BV may also be associated with douching and smoking. Anecdotally, there appears to be a link between BV and times of stress in a woman’s life
Symptoms
While some women with BV may be asymptomatic or don’t have any symptoms, others may present with some distinguishing symptoms such as a thin, off-white, grey vaginal discharge accompanied by a "fishy" or "musty" odour which gets stronger during menstruation, after sex and after washing with soap.
The redness and itching that is associated with yeast or thrush infections tends to be absent with BV.
Treatment
BV can be treated with over the counter topical (vaginal) or oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin. On occasion however, it may require long-term or repeat treatments.
Many doctors believe metronidazole shouldn't be used during the first three months of pregnancy as its safety has not been established.
During the treatment cycle, it is recommended that you refrain from having sex. In general, it is not necessary to treat male sex partners. BV may occur between women who have sex with other women, in which case both partners need to be treated.
Risks
For many women, BV is a nuisance, but for others it can have a serious effect on their reproductive health.
If left untreated, BV can lead to abnormal pap smears, further infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, preterm labour and birth as well as postbirth intrauterine infection.
It could also significantly increase a woman’s chance of HIV infection by up to four times and make her more susceptible to other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as trichomoniasis and chlamydial cervicitis.
Recurrence
Recurrence of BV is very common and has been reported to be as high as 70% over a period of nine months following initial diagnosis. In this situation, long-term treatment over 6 months using a vaginal preparation has been reported to be effective.
Read more:
How much do you know about STI's? Do the quiz
What could be the cause of a bad smelling vagina?
Everything you need to know about thrush
Image: Per Grinsted / Medicinsk Webdesign, via Wikimedia Commons
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also sometimes called anaerobic vaginal discharge, non-specific vaginal discharge or Gardnerella vaginal discharge. BV is one of the most common vaginal infections.
Causes
Although the exact causes of BV are unknown, it is caused when the delicate eco-system of the vagina is upset because of the rapid growth of several kinds of bacteria that normally live in the vagina.
Small organisms called Lactobacilli help to keep the pH at the right level, but using antibiotics, soaps and even having sex can leave the vagina more alkaline, thereby encouraging bacterial growth.
BV may also be associated with douching and smoking. Anecdotally, there appears to be a link between BV and times of stress in a woman’s life
Symptoms
While some women with BV may be asymptomatic or don’t have any symptoms, others may present with some distinguishing symptoms such as a thin, off-white, grey vaginal discharge accompanied by a "fishy" or "musty" odour which gets stronger during menstruation, after sex and after washing with soap.
The redness and itching that is associated with yeast or thrush infections tends to be absent with BV.
Treatment
BV can be treated with over the counter topical (vaginal) or oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin. On occasion however, it may require long-term or repeat treatments.
Many doctors believe metronidazole shouldn't be used during the first three months of pregnancy as its safety has not been established.
During the treatment cycle, it is recommended that you refrain from having sex. In general, it is not necessary to treat male sex partners. BV may occur between women who have sex with other women, in which case both partners need to be treated.
Risks
For many women, BV is a nuisance, but for others it can have a serious effect on their reproductive health.
If left untreated, BV can lead to abnormal pap smears, further infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, preterm labour and birth as well as postbirth intrauterine infection.
It could also significantly increase a woman’s chance of HIV infection by up to four times and make her more susceptible to other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as trichomoniasis and chlamydial cervicitis.
Recurrence
Recurrence of BV is very common and has been reported to be as high as 70% over a period of nine months following initial diagnosis. In this situation, long-term treatment over 6 months using a vaginal preparation has been reported to be effective.
Read more:
How much do you know about STI's? Do the quiz
What could be the cause of a bad smelling vagina?
Everything you need to know about thrush
Image: Per Grinsted / Medicinsk Webdesign, via Wikimedia Commons
