1. What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, as women who have never been sexually active can also be affected. Most women (50 to 75 percent) who have BV do not have any symptoms, but some can be bothered by a thin, white-to-gray discharge with a foul or fishy odor.
2. What Is the Cause of Bacterial Vaginosis?
The cause of BV is unknown, but it is associated with a reduction of good bacteria and an overgrowth of other, "harmful" bacteria. It is not understood why this occurs, but the reduction of the good bacteria causes the pH in the vagina to rise, thus allowing the other bacteria to thrive. These "harmful" bacteria produce enzymes that cause changes in the vaginal tissue, resulting in the annoying symptoms. There are some risk factors, which include douching and new or multiple sexual partners.
3. How is Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosed?
Bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed in your health-care provider's office. The typical office visit includes a history, vaginal and pelvic exam, and a collection of vaginal cultures which will be evaluated under a microscope. Findings that are consistent with BV include a fishy odor, vaginal pH of more than 4.5, a gray-to-white discharge and clue cells noted under microscopic examination. Clue cells are vaginal cells that have bacteria attached to them.
4. How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Treated?
Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with two antibiotics: metronidazole and clindamycin. These can be administered either orally or intravaginally. If a woman is found to have BV, she should be treated, as there is a higher rate of preterm delivery in pregnant women, infection after a hysterectomy or abortion, and an increased risk of acquiring HIV and other STDs.
Between 30 and 50 percent of women will have a recurrence of BV within 3 to 12 months after treatment. Women who have more than three episodes of BV in a year should consider speaking to their health-care provider about suppressive therapy. Also, studies have not proven that treating partners prevents the recurrence of BV.
5. How is Bacterial Vaginosis Prevented?
There are a few things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of developing BV: Restrict the number of sexual partners, do not douche and finish all the medicine provided to treat BV.
