What to Do if You Suffer from Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be passed on to sexual partners.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

The most common symptom of BV is a thin, white or gray discharge that has a fishy odor. Other symptoms may include:

Itching or burning in the vagina

Pain or discomfort during sex

Frequent urination

Urgent need to urinate

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis

The exact cause of BV is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria help to keep the vagina healthy by producing lactic acid, which creates an acidic environment that prevents harmful bacteria from growing.

When the balance of bacteria is upset, harmful bacteria can grow and cause BV. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

Douching

Using scented soaps or feminine hygiene products

Having multiple sexual partners

Being pregnant

Having a weakened immune system

Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis

BV is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic used will depend on the severity of the infection.

For mild cases of BV, a topical antibiotic cream or gel may be used.

For more severe cases of BV, oral antibiotics may be needed.

It is important to take all of the antibiotics prescribed, even if the symptoms go away. If the antibiotics are not taken for the full course of treatment, the infection may come back.

Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis

There is no sure way to prevent BV, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting it:

Do not douche. Douching can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase your risk of BV.

Use unscented soaps and feminine hygiene products. Scented soaps and feminine hygiene products can irritate the vagina and increase your risk of BV.

Limit the number of sexual partners you have. Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of BV.

Use condoms during sex. Condoms can help to prevent the spread of BV.

Get regular Pap tests. Pap tests can help to detect BV early on, when it is more easily treated.

When to See a Doctor

If you have any of the symptoms of BV, it is important to see a doctor. BV can be treated easily with antibiotics, but if it is not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Other Information about Bacterial Vaginosis

BV is a common vaginal infection, but it is not a serious health problem. It can be treated easily with antibiotics, and it does not usually cause any long-term health problems.

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on to sexual partners. It is important to tell your sexual partner if you have BV so that they can be tested and treated if necessary.

BV can be prevented by following some simple lifestyle changes, such as not douching and using unscented soaps and feminine hygiene products.

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