Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis arises due to the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is said to be the main cause of vaginal odor and discharge. It could be associated with sexual intercourse and isn’t expected to transmit from one person to another like sexually transmitted diseases. It doesn’t create any other problems but can create problems during pregnancy or getting pregnant. BV is a common phenomenon in women aged between 15-44 years. It is a form of mild infection and can be treated easily. 

What do you mean by Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection in the vagina resulting from the change in the normal balance of the vaginal bacteria.

There is a presence of good bacteria called “Lactobacilli” and bad bacteria called “Anaerobes” in the vagina. There remains a careful balance between lactobacilli and anaerobes. When that balance gets disturbed with the increase of anaerobes, it can cause Bacterial Vaginosis.  

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

Generally, Bacterial Vaginosis doesn’t display any symptoms. But there are some symptoms like:

• Burning felling during urination
• Itching
• Fishy smell after intercourse
• Thin gray, white or green discharge

For clarity, everyone should know that it is not same as yeast infection.

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis

Lactobacillus keeps the vagina slightly acidic so that it slows down the formation of bad bacteria. As the lactobacillus levels drop in the vagina, there is a rapid growth of bad bacteria, Anaerobes and the woman gets infected with BV.

The actual cause of bacterial balance triggering BV is yet to be ascertained. However, certain factors can increase the risk of getting infected such as:

• Douching
• Unprotected or Unsecured sexual intercourse
• Multiple sex partners
• Use of antibiotics
• Use of vaginal medications

Diagnosis

To diagnose BV, the doctor will get to know about your medical history and perform pelvic examination. The doctor will make a thorough check up of the vagina and signs of infection. The doctor may take up the sample of vaginal discharge and is analyzed by a microscope.

• Overall physical examination
• Performing pelvic exam
• Studying vagina’s pH or acidity level
• Analysis of vaginal discharge for finding cells covered with bacteria

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

There are some antibiotics such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and clindamycin prescribed to treat BV.  There are gels and creams to be prescribed for getting applied to the vagina. The medications are aimed at removing the symptoms. It is advised to complete the entire as given by the doctor even if the symptoms go away early that is before the completion of the entire course.  If you use an IUD and BV is being repeated, you can talk to the doctor to change the birth control. Contact 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬, Dr. INTHU M, top Female Gynecologist in Chennai for best Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment!