Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that occurs when the normal balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. BV is extremely common, especially among women of childbearing age - in fact, most women experience it at some point in their lives. Although BV is not usually serious, it can be serious if left untreated. Start with step 1 to learn how to recognize the symptoms of BV and keep reading for helpful tips on treatment and prevention.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for unusual vaginal discharge
BV is usually accompanied by gray or white discharge.
Step 2. Watch for unpleasant odors
The discharge usually has an unpleasant odor that can be described as fishy. The smell usually gets worse after intercourse.
Step 3. Burning sensation when urinating
Although BV is not usually painful, some women experience a burning sensation when urinating.
Step 4. Itching
You may feel itching outside the vagina, although itching is usually not very severe. Using soap in this area can make it worse.
Step 5. Understand that bacterial vaginosis sometimes may not have symptoms
Some women with BV have no visible symptoms at all. This is bad because if left untreated, BV can lead to more serious health problems.
Part 2 of 2: Treatment and prevention of BV
Step 1. Understand the consequences of an untreated BV infection
Although bacterial vaginosis is generally quite harmless, in some cases it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. These complications include:
- Increased susceptibility to HIV infection when exposed to the HIV virus, and increased susceptibility to other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Increased risk of infection after surgical procedures, such as removal of the uterus or abortion.
- Increased risk of complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth and low birth weight.
- Increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, such as infections of the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility.
Step 2. Visit your doctor if you suspect you may have bacterial vaginosis
Although BV can sometimes (in about 1/3 of cases) go away on its own, it is still very important to see a doctor on time and receive a course of antibiotics to avoid potentially serious complications.
- Your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin for you. These antibiotics can be taken orally as a pill, or topically as a vaginal gel or cream.
- It is especially important to treat BV if you are pregnant to avoid complications.
- In fact, the Ministry of Health recommends that all pregnant women who have ever had a preterm birth or a low birth weight should be screened for BV and, if necessary, receive treatment.
Step 3. Prevent reappearance of BV
Unfortunately, BV has not yet been fully studied by scientists, so there is no surefire way to prevent its occurrence in the future. However, there are some things you can do to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina that will help you avoid BV:
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Limit the number of sexual partners.
Having sex with multiple partners can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina, so try to abstain from sex or limit the number of partners. When you have sex, use male latex condoms to avoid getting an STD.
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Don't practice douching.
Douching disrupts the natural balance of the vagina and makes you more susceptible to BV. Douching will not cure vaginal infections and is strongly discouraged by health authorities.
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Avoid vaginal irritation.
Things like washing your vaginal area with soap, using scented tampons or sanitary pads, and frequent hot baths can irritate your vagina and increase your risk of developing BV. The use of intrauterine contraceptives also increases the risk of developing BV.
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Watch your diet.
Some research suggests that a diet rich in folate, calcium, and vitamin E can help reduce the risk of developing BV. It can also be helpful in smoking cessation.
Advice
- The bacteria that cause BV can also infect the uterus and fallopian tubes. This type of infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Women who have never had sex can also suffer from BV.
- Don't wear panty liners every day. If you cannot live without it, then change them often.
Warnings
- Pregnant women with BV are more likely to have preterm or low birth weight babies than women who do not have the infection.
- BV cannot pass from woman to man during sex; however, a woman's partners can pass BV to each other.