Bacterial Vaginosis refers to a condition that’s caused by a normal vaginal flora that overgrows. This is often clinically presented with increased vaginal discharge with a fish-like odor. The discharge is either gray or white and also typically thin. This becomes more pronounced after sexual intercourse.
Women are most likely prone to acquire other sexually transmitted infections (STI), and pregnant women have high-risk chances of early delivery after being diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. This vaginal infection affects millions of women every year. Research shows that HIV-infected women without bacterial vaginosis are less likely to transmit HIV to their sexual partners than those with bacterial vaginosis. To learn more about Bacterial Vaginosis, we will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this infection.
What are the causes of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Typically, the vagina has a balance of both good and bad bacteria. But Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria that can stay in the vagina. Studies show that women are more likely to develop Bacterial Vaginosis when they smoke or use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control. Smoking makes way for harmful bacteria to thrive since it may alter the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Comparably, the presence of an IUD can disrupt the vagina’s normal balance of bacteria.
There are cases when women have Bacterial Vaginosis without a particular reason, even if they don’t engage in frequent sexual activities. Immune function and genetics may play a role for those who unexpectedly have this infection. But the common causes of bacterial vaginosis include the following:
Douching
This refers to the practice of rinsing out your vagina with a cleansing agent (douching) or water that upsets the natural balance of your vagina. This can result in the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, which can cause Bacterial Vaginosis. Douching isn’t necessary since your vagina is self-cleaning.
Research shows that 87% of the women who participated in the study used two significant branches of douches. This leads to the odds ratios relating each brand to change in vaginal flora or Bacterial Vaginosis, which were similar for each brand. Additionally, 40% of participants reported douching at least once per month. This resulted in an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Sexual activity
This is the leading risk factor for Bacterial Vaginosis. Even though Bacterial Vaginosis isn’t yet considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), people with multiple sex partners are prone to experience this condition. This also goes to people who do not use condoms or whose partner has bacterial vaginosis.
When engaging in a sexual activity, the vagina can receive the bacteria from the penis. This can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, resulting in the development of bacterial vaginosis.
What are the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis affects the female reproductive system, even though some women may experience no symptoms. But some women experience uncomfortable symptoms that can cause intervention to their everyday activities and overall lifestyle.
The symptoms of this condition vary depending on the severity and may include itching around the vagina, grayish-white discharge, and foul-smelling. These symptoms will be explained in the following sections:
Symptom No. 1: Itching around the vagina
If you have an infection of Bacterial Vaginosis and yeast, a red or itchy vagina may be common. Bacterial Vaginosis can cause irritation or inflammation of the vaginal tissue. This can lead to burning sensations or itching around the vagina.
Women with Bacterial Vaginosis may also both have itching around the outside of the vagina or burning during urination. If you continue to experience itching around the vagina, you must see a medical professional immediately for proper treatment and diagnosis.
Symptom No. 2: Thin, grayish-white discharge
A vaginal discharge that’s thin and grey characterizes Bacterial Vaginosis associated with Gardnerella vaginalis. This is one of the most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. The collection of bacteria, cellular waste products, and white blood cells are the result of the unusual color.
It’s important to remember that Bacterial Vaginosis symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of yeast infections. But the difference in the discharge caused by a yeast infection tends to be more white and lumpy.
Symptom No. 3: Foul-smelling
This bad, fishy smell as a symptom of Bacterial Vaginosis is more noticeable when a woman just had sex or during her period. Bacterial vaginosis occurs with the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, which can change the vaginal pH.
The change in the vaginal pH can produce a strong fish odor that is usually described as a “foul” or “rotten” smell. If the foul smell persists in the following days, it’s best to see your doctor to know the treatment and medication you need.
How can Bacterial Vaginosis be treated?
Despite treatment, it’s common for Bacterial Vaginosis to recur within 3 to 12 months. Some researchers are currently exploring remedies for bacterial vaginosis that’s recurring.
But trying several treatments for your Bacterial Vaginosis, such as Probiotics, Clindamycin, and even Garlic, is possible. You can consult your doctor to learn more about these treatments.
Treatment No. 1: Probiotics
A 2019 review of studies show evidence that taking probiotic supplements daily can help prevent and treat Bacterial Vaginosis. Aside from that, a 2021 review suggests that vaginal and oral probiotics can also be an option and effective treatment for the infection.
Probiotics are good bacteria, and taking these supplements can benefit your body by introducing healthy bacteria. Researchers are trying to conduct more studies to determine the length of treatment, the correct dose, strain, and whether probiotics should be paired with antibiotics.
Treatment No. 2: Clindamycin
Clindamycin can be an ovule suppository (capsule) that’s inserted into the vagina. You can also take this antibiotic as a pill or cream. Clindamycin ovules and cream contain oil that can weaken diaphragms and condoms. The effect of the cream lasts for 5 days, while the ovule lasts 72 hours.
The recommended dosages for Clindamycin are as follows:
- Pill: For 7 days, 300 mg is taken orally twice per day
- Cream: For 7 days, 5 g is inserted into the vagina at bedtime
- Ovule suppositories: For 3 days, 100 mg is inserted into the vagina at bedtime
Treatment No. 3: Garlic
Surprisingly, garlic can effectively treat Bacterial Vaginosis due to its strong antibacterial properties. If you’re suffering from the infection, taking garlic orally is crucial. Because taking it vaginally can burn your vaginal tissue.
A 2020 review concluded that taking a garlic supplement tablet could be an option for Bacterial Vaginosis treatment. But some studies also suggested antibiotic treatment to be more effective.
