What is bacterial vaginosis and how is it treated

What is bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial Vaginosis - CDC Fact Sheet is an infectious disease in which the normal microflora in the vagina changes and the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella) increase. They live in the vagina constantly, but under certain conditions they begin to multiply intensively.

Bacterial Vaginosis Usually Bacterial Vaginosis - CDC Fact Sheet occurs in women 15–44 years of age.

Why does bacterial vaginosis appear?

Normally, the vagina has an acidic environment, which is created by lactobacilli. Pathogenic microorganisms cannot multiply in it. But if beneficial bacteria die or become less, the acidity of the mucus also decreases. Gardnerella begins to divide very quickly, causing bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial Vaginosis can lead to imbalance:

Sex. Although bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted by Bacterial Vaginosis - CDC Fact Sheet, the disease hardly occurs in those who have not had sexual intercourse. The risk of getting Bacterial Vaginosis is higher if a woman has several partners or changes them frequently.
Douching. In this case, the beneficial microflora is flushed out of the vagina.
Antibiotics
Intrauterine device.
Lack of estrogen. If a woman's hormone production decreases, lactobacilli also become few.

Bacterial Vaginosis - CDC Fact Sheet should not be infected with bacterial vaginosis through the toilet rim, bedding, or swimming in a pool.

What complications does bacterial vaginosis lead to?

With the active reproduction of gardnerella in a woman, Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Sometimes, due to bacterial vaginosis, inflammation of the uterus or fallopian tubes develops, and the likelihood of infectious complications in any gynecological operation increases.

In addition, vaginosis in pregnant women can lead to premature birth or low birth weight.

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

You can suspect the disease if you are concerned about Bacterial vaginosis:

Vaginal discharge. They become profuse, runny, gray, greenish or white.
The smell of rotten fish from the vagina. It gets worse during sex or menstruation.
Itching of the vulva. But there is no inflammation or redness.
Pain Bacterial Vaginosis during sex. Although this rarely happens.
Violation of urination. It can be pain, burning, or frequent urge to use the toilet.

What to do if signs of bacterial vaginosis appear

With the listed symptoms, you need to consult a gynecologist. Already during the examination in the chair, the doctor may notice the first signs of bacterial vaginosis and conduct a simple test to confirm the diagnosis. With the help of a test strip, the specialist will measure the Bacterial vaginosis pH of the vagina: an acidity of 4, 5 and higher indicates an infection. Sometimes a smear is also taken. This helps to find that there are few lactobacilli, and the gardnerella, on the contrary, is actively multiplying.

After the diagnosis, the gynecologist will prescribe antibiotics. These are usually tablets, but sometimes a vaginal cream or gel is used. Because bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted, the partner usually does not need Bacterial Vaginosis - CDC Fact Sheet.

Bacterial vaginosis often returns within the next 12 months. In this case, it is worth visiting the doctor again. He will prescribe a special anti-relapse treatment that will prevent an exacerbation of the infection.

How to avoid getting bacterial vaginosis

To reduce the risk, doctors recommend Bacterial vaginosis:

Protect the vaginal mucosa. Use unscented tampons and pads, hypoallergenic soap.
Don't douche.
Limit the number of sexual partners.
Use condoms.

It is also useful to maintain normal vaginal microflora. Perhaps the use of yogurt and other foods rich in lactobacilli will help in this Bacterial vaginosis.