Bacterial vaginosis - symptoms, causes and treatment

Bacterial Vaginosis - Symptoms and Treatment | Recetas Medicas

Bacterial vaginosis means that there has been an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, which causes foul-smelling discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is very common and the condition can go away on its own, but sometimes drug treatment is required to get rid of your problems. Here we go through the most common symptoms, causes of bacterial imbalance and what you can do yourself to prevent the problems from recurring.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that involves an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina. Normally, the vagina is dominated by various bacteria, especially lactic acid bacteria, which help keep the vagina healthy by producing lactic acid and keeping the pH low. In bacterial vaginosis, the lactic acid bacteria become fewer or less effective, which leads to an increase in other, unwanted bacteria.

Bacterial vaginosis is not an STD.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are:

• Foul-smelling discharge, the smell is often described as fishy
• Changed consistency of the discharge, which may be thin and grayish or yellow in color
• Odor that worsens after intercourse and after you have had your period
• Discomfort or irritation in the abdomen

Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptoms at all.

If you experience itching and burning around the opening of the vagina, it may be because you have also contracted fungus in the vagina. It is common to get fungal and bacterial vaginosis at the same time.

Why do you get bacterial vaginosis?

It is not known exactly what causes the bacterial balance in the vagina to be disturbed, but there are several factors that increase the risk of being affected, for example:

• Unprotected intercourse
• Changing sex partners
• If you use hormonal or copper IUDs as contraception
• Showering water into the vagina or washing the abdomen too often

How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

If you have bacterial vaginosis, there are effective prescription medications that help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics or bactericidal drugs. They come in different forms:

• Tablets: If you receive medicine in tablet form, you must swallow them according to the instructions you receive. They help your body fight the bacteria that cause the imbalance.
• Vaginal creams or vaginal suppositories: These are medicines that you rub on or insert directly into the vagina. They act locally to restore the healthy bacterial balance.

Regardless of the treatment you receive, it is important to follow the instructions and to complete the entire course, even if the symptoms disappear sooner.

It is not unusual for the symptoms to return after a month or so. Then you may need treatment again.

When should I seek care?

If you suspect that you have bacterial vaginosis, it's important to seek care to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. This is especially important if you are pregnant, as bacterial vaginosis can rarely lead to premature birth. If you experience symptoms such as unusual discharge, a strong odor from the abdomen or other signs that you think may be bacterial vaginosis, you should contact a gynecological practice or health center.

Preventive measures and self-care

To reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis, there are some things you can do yourself. Use a condom during penetrative sex, especially if you have new or multiple sexual partners. Use lukewarm water or mild products intended for the genital area when washing. Cleaning the inside of the vagina with soap or other products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the vagina smell like fish?

A fishy odor from the vagina is a common sign of bacterial vaginosis, which occurs when there is an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Contact healthcare if you have discharge that smells bad or has changed in appearance and consistency.

Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?

No, bacterial vaginosis is not contagious and is not considered a venereal disease, however, it is most common for women of childbearing age who are sexually active to suffer from an imbalance in the abdomen.

Can you have sex when you have bacterial vaginosis?

Yes, it's okay to have sex even if you have bacterial vaginosis because it's not contagious. However, some people find the strong odor that often accompanies bacterial vaginosis to be bothersome or embarrassing.

Is there a home remedy for smelly discharge?

There are no home remedies that have proven effectiveness against bacterial vaginosis. There are natural remedies with lactic acid bacteria that some people think help with the bad smell, but they do not have scientific support.

What can be done about recurrent bacterial vaginosis?

Avoiding washing the vagina with soap and using a condom during intercourse can help with recurrent bacterial vaginosis. In case of repeated problems, you may need treatment with medicine several times.

What should discharge smell like?

Normal discharge usually has a very mild odor or no odor at all. A marked change in the smell, especially if it becomes strong or unpleasant, can indicate various gynecological problems and should be examined by a doctor.

Can you treat fungus and bacterial imbalance at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to treat both a yeast infection and bacterial imbalance at the same time, but it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor to ensure you receive the right treatment for both conditions.