Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that can be uncomfortable and can lead to further complications if it isn't treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial vaginosis is the most common infection of the vagina for women of childbearing age. Unlike an STD, however, bacterial vaginosis isn't caught from a sexual partner and cannot be passed on to someone else.
Biology
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an abnormal overgrowth of specific types of bacteria in the vagina. Normal vaginal bacteria live under acidic conditions, so when the conditions change to more alkaline, other species normally present in small numbers overgrow and cause an infection. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a woman having an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and too few lactobacilli, the type of bacteria that normally populate a healthy vaginal tract.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are similar to other vaginal infections, such as yeast infections, but there are some distinct differences. Bacterial vaginosis generally causes a vaginal discharge that is gray or greenish in color and of watery consistency. A strong odor that many women describe as "fishy" may be present. This odor sometimes gets stronger after sex. The tissue around the vagina may burn or, less commonly, itch. Some women do not exhibit any symptoms and only discover the infection during a routine gynecological checkup.
Causes
Anything that makes the vagina more alkaline can cause bacterial vaginosis. Sexual intercourse is sometimes the cause, since sperm is acidic and can change the pH of the vaginal tract. Douching is another potential culprit. Menstruation and menopause are other possible causes, since a woman's vaginal tract becomes more alkaline at these times.
Treatment and Prevention
Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are the only available treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole and Clindamycin are the two antibiotics used for treatment, and they are both available as oral medications or as topical creams or gels. To prevent recurrences, condom use, abstinence and limiting sexual partners are solutions for sexually active women. For those with heavy menstrual periods, medications to reduce blood flow can help prevent the alkalization of the vagina during menstruation. Estrogen creams or pills can help keep the vagina acidic during menopause.
Complications
Women who have bacterial vaginosis may be at higher risk for catching sexually transmitted diseases. Pelvic inflammatory disease is another complication associated with the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. For pregnant women, having bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of preterm labor and premature birth.
References
- Family Doctor: Bacterial Vaginosis
- Center for Disease Control: Bacterial Vaginosis Fact Sheet
- "American Family Physician"; Bacterial Vaginosis: An Update; Barbara Majeroni, MD.; March 1998
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Bacterial Vaginosis
- Mayo Clinic: Sex and bacterial vaginosis
