Bacterial vaginosis results when the normally predominant aerobic bacteria in the vagina, Lactobacillus acidophilus, is replaced by an over-population of the usually low-level resident anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis. The bacterial imbalance can cause symptoms like itching or fishy-smelling discharge. Anything that alters the normal environment of the vagina can lead to bacterial vaginosis. It is often sexually transmitted but it can also result from poor hygiene, irritation of the vagina or even unknown factors in some women.
Sexual Transmission
Bacterial vaginosis can be sexually transmitted, but other causes exist as well. Infected men usually have no symptoms. According to "Primary Care for Women," when a woman is diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, her male partner might be examined for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but because no evidence shows that treating him will affect the likelihood of reinfection, doctors will not prescribe antibiotics to treat him.
Women with new sexual partners and women who have many sexual partners have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis. Using a latex condom prevents the spread of bacterial vaginosis as well as other STDs.
Hygiene
Your vagina and your intestinal tract have a natural balance of bacteria that keeps them healthy, but the types and levels of bacteria differ. Fecal bacteria can disrupt the normal balance of your vagina, so to prevent contamination you should always wipe from the vagina back toward your anus after going to the bathroom.
Washing your vaginal area with mild soap and warm water--no more, no less--is all you need to do to keep your vagina clean and healthy, says the Mayo Clinic.
Irritants
Lactobacillus acidophilus, the primary bacterial resident of a healthy vagina, prefers and maintains a slightly acidic environment. Any factors that disrupt the normal pH of your vagina can set the stage for an overpopulation of anaerobic bacteria, causing bacterial vaginosis. Harsh deodorant or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorants or sprays, scented tampons or pads all could disrupt the natural vaginal balance. Douching likewise disrupts the balance and rather than eliminating bacterial vaginosis, it can actually increase your risk for it.
Hot tubs, spas and long hot baths (especially bubble baths) can all irritate the vagina and increase your likelihood of bacterial vaginosis.
Other
Bacterial vaginosis does not result from an invasion of foreign bacteria. Instead, it is the result of an overgrowth of normal resident anaerobic bacteria at the expense of the normal primary resident, the aerobic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Unknown "host factors," meaning the conditions particular to each individual, can protect you from bacterial vaginosis or make you more susceptible.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Vaginitis
- Merck Manual On-Line: Vaginitis
- "Primary Care for Women"; Phyllis Leppert and Jeffrey Peipert; 2004
