Bacterial Vaginosis BV Blog

Written by Abbie on March 17th, 2009

Bacterial Vaginosis – Any Woman Can Be Infected!

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What is Bacterial Vaginosis or BV?

BV is a type of infection in the vagina. The vagina contains both healthy as well as unhealthy bacteria. However, in normal conditions the healthy bacterial (lactobacilli) are more than the unhealthy ones (anaerobes). When the unhealthy bacteria outnumber the healthy ones, it causes a vaginal infection called as Bacterial Vaginosis. BV is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Why do unhealthy bacteria increase in the vagina?

There is no known reason why the unhealthy bacteria or the anaerobes multiply. However some activities or practices may increase the risk of BV. Such as-

Having new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners.

• Douching.
• Use of antibiotics.
• pH imbalance.

However, it’s still not clear if sexual practices play a role in developing BV. Women who are not sexually active can also be affected by Bacterial Vaginosis. Also, women do not get BV from toilet seats, swimming pools, bedding or from use of any object in an around the vagina.

Symptoms

BV usually does not have major symptoms, but some women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have a fish-like smell. This kind of discharge may occur usually after intercourse. The discharge may be thin or thick, colored or white.

Some women may also have itching and irritation in and around the vagina. There may also be burning during urination. However, some women with BV may not show any signs or symptoms at all.

Is BV harmful?

Bacterial Vaginosis is a very common, mild vaginal infection which can affect any women of child bearing age. It is reported that many pregnant women are mostly prone to BV.

Although, BV is not dangerous and does not cause any health complications, but there are some risks that a BV infected women may encounter.

• Women infected with BV may be more susceptible to HIV infection.
• An already HIV infected woman having BV can pass HIV to her sexual partner.
• BV infected women can be associated with other infections which may lead to surgery such as hysterectomy or may also have an abortion.
• A pregnant woman with BV may have high risk of giving birth to a premature baby.
• Women with BV can be at risk of being infected with other STDs such as gonorrhea an Chlamydia.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of BV includes laboratory tests. The doctor will get a sample of the vaginal fluid with a cotton swab to look for BV bacteria.

Treatment

BV needs to be treated to avoid further complications. If not treated, it will adversely affect the woman’s quality of life and cause other infections. Pregnant women, in particular, must be treated for BV to avoid complications to the child bearing process.

BV treated may include oral as well as topical methods of treatment. The doctor may prescribe pills to be taken orally, or creams or gels to be applied in the vagina. The medication should be taken as per the doctor’s instruction.

Many times, Bacterial Vaginosis can be confused with yeast infections or other types of vaginal infections. Therefore it is very important to get properly diagnosed and treated for BV to avoid complications.

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