Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause vaginal discomfort and pain. It occurs when natural bacteria levels are out of balance. Balanced bacteria levels help keep the vagina healthy. However, when certain bacteria grow too much, BV can result.

Bacterial vaginosis can occur at any age. But it is most common during the childbearing years. During this time, hormone changes make it easier for certain bacteria to grow. Also, bacterial vaginosis is more common in people who are sexually active. It is not clear why this is the case. However, activities such as unprotected sex and douching can increase your risk of developing BV.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

▸Thin vaginal discharge that may be gray, white, or green.

▸Foul, "fishy" vaginal odor.

▸Vaginal itching.

▸Burn during urination.

▸Many people with bacterial vaginosis do not have symptoms.

Causes

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the vagina's natural bacteria levels are out of balance. The bacteria in the vagina are called vaginal flora. A balanced vaginal flora helps keep your vagina healthy. There are usually more "good" bacteria than "bad" bacteria. The good bacteria are called lactobacilli; the bad bacteria are anaerobes. When there are too many anaerobes, they upset the balance of the flora and cause bacterial vaginosis.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include:

▸Having different or new sexual partners. The link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis is unclear. But bacterial vaginosis is more likely to occur when someone has different or new sexual partners. Also, bacterial vaginosis is more common when both partners are women.

▸ Douching. The vagina is self-cleaning. So, there is no need to douche it with water or something. This can even cause problems. Douching can upset the healthy balance of bacteria in your vagina. It can cause an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, which can cause bacterial vaginosis.

Lactobacilli are naturally lacking. If your vagina doesn't produce enough lactobacilli, you are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis.

Complications

Complications of bacterial vaginosis are rare. But sometimes, having bacterial vaginosis can lead to:

▸ Sexually transmitted infections. If you have bacterial vaginosis, you are at a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections. STIs include HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. If you have HIV, bacterial vaginosis increases your risk of passing the virus to your partner.

▸Risk of infection after gynecological surgery. Having bacterial vaginosis may increase your risk of infection after surgeries such as hysterectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C).

▸Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Bacterial vaginosis sometimes leads to PID. This infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes can increase your risk of infertility.

Pregnancy problems. Past studies have shown a possible link between bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy problems. These include premature birth and low birth weight. New research suggests these risks may be due to other reasons. These reasons include having a history of premature birth. But studies agree that if you notice symptoms of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy, you should get tested. If the results are positive, your doctor can choose the best treatment for you.

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Prevention

To help prevent bacterial vaginosis:

▸Don't use scented products. Wash your genitals with only warm water. Soaps and other scented products may irritate vaginal tissue. Use only unscented tampons or pads.

▸Don't douche. Douching will not clear up a vaginal infection. It may even make it worse. Your vagina doesn't need to be cleaned other than normal bathing. Douching can disrupt vaginal flora, increasing your risk of infection.

▸Practice safe sex. To reduce your risk of STIs, use latex condoms or oral dams. Clean all sex toys. Limit the number of sex partners or don't have sex.