Bacterial vaginosis is one of the main reasons behind the vaginal discharge. Various clinical researches have found that the problem is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Some women are having bacterial vaginosis experience with no symptoms while some experience vaginal discharge and malodor especially women of reproductive age. It is not categorized as sexually transmitted disease or nor it is contagious.
Bacterial vaginosis develops due to the disturbance of normal bacterial equilibrium in the women’s vagina. The most common bacteria in the vagina are lactobacilli. According to experts, during bacterial vaginosis, there is an overgrowth of other bacteria that are anaerobic in nature; these grow in the absence of oxygen.
Signs of bacterial vaginosis in women
Women suffering from bacterial vaginosis may experience no signs of infections. Some may have:
- Increased vaginal discharge that is watery, white in color, and has an unpleasant smell, especially after sexual intercourse
- Burning during urination
- Irritation or itching in the vagina
The infection can be diagnosed during a medical exam conducted by a health care specialist. To check whether you have bacterial vaginosis or not, your healthcare specialist looks for signs of infection then perform a test where he/she will collect your vaginal fluid.
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis
The infection of the vagina does not contribute to other health related issues, but if left untreated may increase the risk of following problems:
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, AIDS (Autoimmune deficiency syndrome), Chlamydia, and Herpes.
- An infection caused by a caesarean section, surgery of cervix, abortion, and uterus surgery.
- A pelvic inflammatory disease where bacteria the bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis infect other parts of reproductive organs such as fallopian tubes or uterus. The disease may also lead to infertility as well as increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Early labor / birth if the patient is pregnant.
Bacterial vaginosis is best treated with an antibiotic medication called metronidazole. The antibiotic agent effectively returns the vaginal flora to normal. The bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis don’t require oxygen to grow and multiply and cause infections in body area like gut, gums, pelvic cavity, or the bones. It is an antibiotic agent that is the most successful agent in fighting against bacterial vaginosis; it eliminates the bacteria from the vagina by killing or preventing their growth. The pharmaceutical ingredient is available only on health care specialist’s prescription. It is important to consult an expert before taking metronidazole for accurate dosing. Always follow the instruction provided by your health care specialist.
Tips to avoid bacterial vaginosis
For a healthy vagina, it is important to keep balance the normal bacteria in the vagina. Follow the following instructions to avoid the bacterial vaginosis:
- Have sexual intercourse with one person only
- Always use condoms during sexual practice.
- Ask your sex partner to be examined for bacterial vaginosis
- Not douching
- Wash your genital area regularly with mild soap and water
- Reduce the number of sexual partners
Marie
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