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Bacterial Vaginosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Self Care
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), it is a common condition that occurs when there is a noticable imbalance in the bacteria present in the vagina. BV is not assigned to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it can be more common in sexually active women. It is also not considered a yeast infection, although the symptoms may be similar.
The scientific name for Bacterial Vaginosis is Gardnerella vaginalis, which is one of the bacteria that is commonly associated with BV. However, there are usually other bacteria present as well, such as Mobiluncus species, Mycoplasma hominis, and Prevotella species.
BV is the prime vaginal infection in women of reproductive age, and it is estimated that up to 30% of women in the
United States have BV at any given time. While BV is not typically harmful, it can increase the risk of contracting other STIs, and it can also lead to complications during pregnancy.
Symptoms of BV can include a strong fishy odor, thin gray or white discharge, itching or burning around the vagina, and pain during sex. However, some women with BV may not experience any symptoms at all.
Treatment for BV usually involves antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, which can be taken orally or applied directly to the vagina.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) may cause a range of symptoms, although some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Some of the prime signs and symptoms of BV include:
- Vaginal discharge: Women with BV may experience a thin, watery, or milky white discharge from the vagina. The discharge may have a strong fishy odor, which may be more noticeable after sex.
- Vaginal odor: A strong, fishy odor is a characteristic symptom of BV. The odor may be more noticeable after sex or during menstruation.
- Vaginal itching or burning: Some women with BV may experience itching or burning around the vagina or vulva.
- Pain during urination: BV can cause pain or discomfort when urinating.
- Pain during sex: BV may cause discomfort or pain during sex, which can make it difficult to enjoy sexual activity.
What Causes Vaginal Bacterial Infection?
The exact reason why bacterial vaginosis is caused by is still unknown, but it is thought to be due to an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Normally, the vagina contains a balance of “good” bacteria (such as Lactobacillus) and “harmful” bacteria (such as Gardnerella vaginalis). When there is an overgrowth of the harmful bacteria, it can lead to BV.
Risk Factors:
There are multiple risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing BV, including:
- Sexual activity: Women who are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, have a higher risk of developing BV.
- Douching: Douching can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, making it easier for harmful bacteria to overgrow.
- Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics, especially for an extended period of time, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and also increase the risk of developing BV.
- Hormonal changes: The fluctuations in hormones, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can increase the risk of BV.
Complications:
While BV is not typically harmful, it can increase the risk of complications, including:
- Increased risk of STIs: Women with BV are at a higher risk of contracting multiple sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): BV can lead to the development of PID, a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can cause infertility.
- Preterm Labor and Delivery: Pregnant women with BV have an increased risk of having preterm labor and delivery, which can lead to complications for both the mother and baby.
- Post-surgical infections: Women who have had gynecological surgery, such as a hysterectomy, are at an increased risk of developing post-surgical infections if they have BV.
How is Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) typically involves a combination of a physical exam, medical history, and laboratory tests. Some of the prime tests used to diagnose BV include:
- Vaginal exam: A healthcare provider will examine the vagina for signs of inflammation, discharge, or odor.
- pH testing: The pH level of the vagina can be measured using a test strip or a swab. A pH level higher than 4.5 can indicate BV.
- Wet mount test: A sample of vaginal discharge is collected and thereafter examined under a microscope to check for the presence of any “clue cells,” which are cells covered in bacteria that are a sign of BV.
- Whiff test: A sample of vaginal discharge is mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to see if there is a characteristic fishy odor that is often present in women with BV.
- Culture test: A sample of the vaginal discharge is sent to a laboratory to be cultured, which can help identify the specific type of bacteria present in the vagina.
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be treated with medications, such as antibiotics or antifungal medications. Some of the common treatments for gardnerella vaginalis treatment include:
- Antibiotics: Metronidazole and clindamycin are two antibiotics commonly used to treat BV. These medications can be taken orally, applied topically, or inserted into the vagina as a cream or gel.
- Probiotics: Probiotics containing lactobacilli bacteria, which are found naturally in the vagina, can help restore the balance of bacteria and reduce the risk of BV recurrence.
- Boric acid: Boric acid suppositories can be inserted into the vagina to help restore the balance of bacteria and reduce the symptoms of BV.
- Vaginal estrogen therapy: For postmenopausal women, vaginal estrogen therapy can help restore the balance of bacteria present in the vagina and reduce the risk of BV.
- Avoiding douching.
- Wearing cotton underwear.
- Avoiding tight-fitting pants and pantyhose.
- Using unscented and hypoallergenic products for vaginal hygiene.
- Practicing safe sex, including using condoms and limiting sexual partners.
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Self Care
What Are Some Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bacterial Vaginosis?
While Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be treated with medication, there are also several self-care measures that can help prevent BV from occurring in the first place. These measures include:
- Avoiding douching: Douching can also disrupt the natural balance of the bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of BV. Therefore, it’s important to avoid douching.
- Wearing cotton underwear: Wearing breathable cotton underwear can help prevent excess moisture from building up in the vagina, which can contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Avoid tight-fitting pants and pantyhose: Tight-fitting clothing can trap moisture and heat, creating an environment that is favorable for the harmful growth of bacteria. Therefore, it’s important to wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Using unscented and hypoallergenic products for vaginal hygiene: Scented products, such as perfumes and soaps, can irritate the very delicate tissues of the vagina and increase the risk of BV. Therefore, it’s important to use unscented and hypoallergenic products for vaginal hygiene.
- Practicing safe sex: Using condoms and also limiting sexual partners can potentially help reduce the risk of contracting STIs, which can increase the risk of BV.
- Eating a healthy diet: Having nutrients, such as vitamins and also minerals, can help boost the immune system immensely and reduce the risk of infections, including BV.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
You should call a doctor if you experience any symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), such as unusual vaginal discharge, foul odor, itching, or burning during urination. Additionally, you should seek medical attention if you have any of the following:
- Recurrent BV: If you have had multiple episodes of BV in the past, it’s important to see a healthcare provider soon for further evaluation and treatment.
- Pregnancy: BV can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth, so it’s rather important to seek medical attention if you are pregnant and experience any symptoms of BV.
- Other symptoms: If you experience any of the other symptoms, which may include fever, abdominal pain, or pelvic pain, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out other possible causes.
Support at Ongo Care
Ongo Care is a telemedicine platform that provides virtual healthcare services, including support for conditions such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). If you suspect that you may have BV, you can schedule a virtual appointment with a healthcare provider through Ongo Care. During the appointment, the provider will ask you about your symptoms and also medical history and may recommend diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the provider can prescribe appropriate medication and provide guidance on self-care measures to help manage and prevent BV. Ongo Care also offers ongoing support for patients with BV, including follow-up appointments to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
In addition to telemedicine appointments, Ongo Care also provides a range of educational resources on BV and other health topics, including articles, videos, and interactive tools. These resources can help patients better understand their condition and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Ongo Care offers a convenient and accessible way to receive support for BV and other health concerns through virtual healthcare services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an online prescription for Bacterial vaginosis from Ongo Care?
Yes, you can get an online BV prescription for bacterial vaginosis from Ongo Care. The healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and medical history during a telemedicine appointment and can prescribe appropriate medication if necessary.
What are the advantages Ongo Care can provide me if I schedule an appointment?
Ongo Care can provide several advantages if you schedule an appointment, including convenient and accessible virtual healthcare services, access to licensed healthcare providers, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support for managing and preventing BV.
If I am diagnosed with Bacterial vaginosis, is there any lab test doctor prescribes? If yes, can Ongo Care has the lab testing facility online?
Yes, a doctor may prescribe lab tests to diagnose bacterial vaginosis, such as a vaginal pH test or a vaginal fluid analysis. Ongo Care may have lab testing facilities available online, depending on your location and the specific tests needed.
Is BV a sexually transmitted disease?
BV is not technically classified as a sexually transmitted disease, but it is associated with sexual activity and can be transmitted through sexual contact.
Who can get Bacterial Vaginosis?
Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis, but certain factors can increase the risk, such as having multiple sexual partners, douching, and using certain types of contraception.