Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Are you facing discomfort or unusual symptoms in your vaginal area? Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent vaginal infection affecting women globally. Although it might not always exhibit noticeable symptoms, BV can lead to significant discomfort and complications if untreated. Therefore, understanding bacterial vaginosis causes, symptoms, and impact on reproductive health is vital. So, this article delves into BV intricacies, offering insights into its presentation and emphasising the importance of timely medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Normally, the vagina contains a balance of bacteria, but BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. BV is a common vaginal infection resulting from an imbalance of 'good' and 'harmful' bacteria in the vagina.

How Common is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is highly prevalent worldwide, affecting approximately one-third of women globally. Prevalence varies across regions, with rates ranging from 23% to 29% in different areas.

Who Can Get BV?

Bacterial vaginosis can affect anyone with a vagina, regardless of age or sexual activity.

What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?

The bacterial vaginosis symptoms may include:

• Thin, watery vaginal bacterial vaginosis discharge that can be grey, white, or green
• Foul-smelling 'fishy' odour emanating from the vagina
• Vaginal irritation or itching
• Sometimes, BV may not exhibit any symptoms, especially in mild cases

How Do You Get Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis can affect anyone with a vagina, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it. These can be:

• Multiple or New Sex Partners: Having different or new sex partners can increase the risk of BV.
• Sexual Activity: BV is strongly associated with sexual activity, although it is not classified as a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing BV.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis Contagious?

Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a contagious condition in the typical sense. So it does not spread from person to person, like a cold or the flu. However, sexual activity can increase the risk of developing BV. BV results from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, where harmful bacteria outnumber the beneficial ones. Although not directly contagious, sexual partners can influence each other's bacterial balance and potentially contribute to the development or recurrence of BV.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis an STD or STI?

Bacterial vaginosis is not classified as a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or STI. BV is an imbalance of the usual bacteria found in the vagina.

What's the Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis and a Yeast Infection?

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are both common vaginal infections but have different causes.

BV results from an imbalance in beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina, causing symptoms like unusual discharge and vaginal itchiness. On the other hand, yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, leading to symptoms such as thick, white discharge, itchiness, and irritation.

How Do You Know If You Have BV?

You may have bacterial vaginosis if you notice symptoms such as thin, grey, or green vaginal discharge, a foul-smelling 'fishy' odour, and vaginal irritation or itching.

How Do I Get BV to Go Away?

Medical intervention is necessary to treat bacterial vaginosis effectively.

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin, which can be administered orally as pills or topically as gels or creams for BV.
• Ensure to complete the full course of antibiotics for BV as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
• Refrain from sexual activity until bacterial vaginosis treatment is complete to prevent reinfection or spreading the infection to your partner.
• In some cases, bacterial vaginosis may recur, so follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider may be necessary to monitor and manage the condition effectively.

Can Bacterial Vaginosis Go Away on Its Own?

Yes, bacterial vaginosis can sometimes resolve on its own without medical treatment. Mild cases of BV may clear up without intervention, especially if the body's immune system restores the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

How Long Does Bacterial Vaginosis Last?

Bacterial vaginosis can vary in duration, but typically, it can last for a few days to a week or longer if left untreated. In some cases, BV may resolve on its own without treatment, especially in mild cases. However, if symptoms persist or recur, medical treatment is necessary to address the BV infection effectively.

Proper bacterial vaginosis treatment with antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, can help alleviate symptoms and clear the infection. However, even with appropriate treatment, BV can come back within a few months, with recurrence rates ranging from 30% to 50%. Therefore, it is essential to follow up with healthcare professionals and adhere to prescribed treatment regimens to manage and prevent recurrent BV.

How to Prevent the Risk of BV?

Bacterial vaginosis prevention strategies include:

• Practice safe sex: Consistently using condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
• Limit sexual partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can decrease the risk of BV transmission.
• Limit-scented products: Perfumed bath products, laundry detergents, and scented toilet paper can irritate the vagina and increase susceptibility to BV. Opt for unscented products.
• Maintain vaginal health: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress can support overall vaginal health, reducing the risk of BV.

Can You Get Bacterial Vaginosis Multiple Times?

Yes, it is common to experience recurrent bacterial vaginosis infections. Even after successful treatment, approximately half of those affected may have the condition return within 6 to 12 months. BV recurrence can be influenced by various factors such as sexual activity, douching, and hormonal changes. Proper management, including lifestyle adjustments and follow-up care, can help reduce the likelihood of recurrent BV.

What are the complications of BV?

Bacterial vaginosis can lead to various complications if left untreated. For instance:

• Increased risk of STIs such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Complications during pregnancy, including preterm delivery, early labour, and potential loss of pregnancy.
• Increased risk of post-gynecological procedure infections.
• Chronic discomfort and recurring episodes of BV.

Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy

Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy can lead to complications such as:

• Preterm birth: BV increases the risk of premature delivery, which can result in health issues for the baby.
• Low birth weight: Babies born to mothers with BV may have a lower birth weight than those born to mothers without BV.
• Premature rupture of membranes: BV can cause the amniotic sac to break before labour begins, increasing the risk of infection and preterm birth.
• Uterine infection: BV may lead to infections in the uterus (endometritis), which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

When to See a Doctor About Bacterial Vaginosis?

It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, such as unusual vaginal discharge or odour. Additionally, pregnant individuals should seek medical attention if they suspect BV, as it can lead to complications during pregnancy.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or have concerns about your reproductive health, do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional. Seeking timely medical advice can provide relief, ensure proper treatment, and promote overall well-being. For reliable diagnostic services, consider Metropolis Labs, a trusted chain of diagnostic labs across India. Metropolis Labs specialises in pathology services, offering accurate blood and body fluid testing. Their qualified blood collection technicians provide convenient at-home visits for sample collection, with reports accessible online. Visit Metropolis Labs for comprehensive health check-ups and reliable diagnostic solutions.