Darrick Robles Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infections. It affects many women and is caused by an imbalance in the microbial flora in the vagina. The infection is often asymptomatic and, in some cases, goes away on its own. However, if symptoms occur, antibiotic therapy should be started, as the risk of gynecological infections increases.
Definition of bacterial vaginosis
A large number of bacteria live in the healthy vaginal flora. The most important representatives are the so-called Döderlein bacteria (lactobacilli) , which produce lactic acid and thus generate an acidic pH value. The acidic pH prevents the entry of pathogens.
A vaginal infection is usually caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. In vaginosis, many different disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis colonize the vagina, which otherwise only occurs sporadically. The lactic acid bacteria are displaced and the pH rises.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
A number of risk factors are known that lead to the disease:
- Frequent sexual intercourse
- Lack of the female hormone estrogen (e.g. during childbirth)
- Previous antibiotic use
- Smoking
- psychosocial stress
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include the presence of a whitish, thin, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge . In addition, there is often burning and itching in the outer area of the vagina. In addition, pain can occur both during urination and during sexual intercourse. However, the vaginal infection can also be asymptomatic , i.e. without symptoms. Asymptomatic vaginosis does not necessarily have to be treated therapeutically.
Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis
In order to make the correct diagnosis, the doctor will first ask you a few questions about your symptoms. It is interesting, for example, whether you have noticed a change in discharge and how long your symptoms have existed. This can be followed by a smear test. The swab is examined under a microscope and tested for an amine odor. In addition, the pH value is controlled, which can be elevated in the case of bacterial vaginosis.
Risk of infection with bacterial vaginosis
Transmission of the causative bacteria mainly occurs during sexual intercourse. Men don’t usually get bacterial vaginosis, and they don’t need to be treated if they become infected.
Duration of bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis healed after about a week with antibiotic therapy. Nevertheless, the symptoms can always flare up again.
You can do this yourself if you have a vaginal infection
- Only wash your private parts with water. Normal shower gels and soap should generally be avoided in the intimate area.
- Natural products like yogurt may be able to aid healing.
- Give up cigarettes.
- Try to avoid stress. Relaxation exercises and sports can help significantly.
Therapy of bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis should be treated with antibiotics . It is possible to apply the antibiotic locally as a vaginal suppository or to take it as tablets. When taking it, make sure you take the antibiotic consistently for the specified number of days, as recommended by your doctor. Otherwise, if the treatment is stopped prematurely, the disease may flare up again.
A lactic acid cure may also be helpful to prevent re-infection. The lactobacilli protect the vaginal flora and help restore the correct pH value. For example, there are vaginal suppositories.
If there are no symptoms, the disease does not necessarily have to be treated. The partner does not have to be treated for bacterial vaginosis.
When to seek help
- You’ve noticed a changed smelly discharge.
- It itches and burns in the intimate area.
- You have noticed skin changes in the intimate area.
- Your sexual partner suffers from similar symptoms. This could possibly be another STD or a fungal infection.
- If you are pregnant and suspect bacterial vaginosis, you should contact the treating gynecologist immediately.
Possible complications of bacterial vaginosis
The imbalance in the bacterial flora increases the risk of other diseases. For example, patients with bacterial vaginosis are at risk of developing inflammation of the lining of the cervix, fallopian tubes and vulva. The risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV during the illness also increases.
The recurrence of vaginosis after successful therapy is not uncommon. Many women have symptoms again just a few months after the therapy. In the case of frequent recurrences, a longer form of therapy should be discussed with the treating gynaecologist.
Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy
Vaginal infection can lead to various complications during pregnancy. Premature labor, premature rupture of the amniotic sac and premature birth can occur with bacterial vaginosis. In addition, wound healing disorders after episiotomy or abscess formation after caesarean section can occur after birth. There are a number of antibiotics available for therapy that do not harm the child.
How can Med-Healths help?
Is it itchy and burning in the intimate area? You can consult us on the Med-Healths App to video call a doctor about your symptoms. He can answer your questions about the infection and provide information about intimate hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases. In order to diagnose the disease and, if necessary, to obtain a prescription, you should consult a specialist in gynecology.
