Your vagina has different kinds of bacteria. Most of the time, your body keeps these bacteria under control so that they don’t overgrow.
Sometimes, the balance of these bacteria gets upset. This can lead to a condition known as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Bacterial vaginosis is very common. But if it is not treated properly, it can lead to problems and may also lead to the contraction of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Read on to know the common symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis and what you should do if you think you have it.
What Are the Symptoms?
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, may not always display symptoms. However, there are cases where symptoms are present. These symptoms include:
- A burning feeling during urination
- Thin gray or white discharge
- A strong fishy odor from the discharge
- Itching or discomfort in the vaginal area
One of the most common symptoms of BV is the strong odor of the discharge. For some, the odor of the discharge may be more pronounced after sexual intercourse, especially if no protection was used. This is because the discharge may mix with the semen.
What Causes BV?
Your vagina normally has a balance of various bacteria. BV is caused by the growth of certain bacteria beyond the normal limit. This is the reason why the “bad” bacteria outnumber the “good” bacteria that normally keep things balanced in the vagina.
In fact, the “bad” bacteria may multiply to levels that are hundreds or thousands of times higher than the normal levels in the vagina during a BV infection.
Doctors have not really understood the reason for the development of BV. However, they know that being sexually active is a risk factor for BV. BV is not common among women who are not sexually active.
Who Is More Likely to Get BV?
Any woman with a vagina can develop BV. However, if you are a woman with a vagina, your chances of getting BV may increase if you:
- Are of African American descent
- Do not use condoms or dental dams during sex
- Have an intrauterine device
- Frequently douche or use vaginal cleansing products
- Have many sex partners
- Are pregnant
If you suspect that you may have BV, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
How Is BV Diagnosed?
In case you experience any of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, it is important to seek a healthcare provider’s services to obtain the right diagnosis. This starts by undergoing a physical examination. In some cases, the healthcare provider may also perform a test by taking a small sample of your vaginal fluid to test for the presence of certain bacteria.
This helps to ensure that you do not have other infections that have similar symptoms, such as yeast infections.
It is important to note that the level of bacteria in the vagina changes frequently. This means that the test results may not be 100% accurate. In some cases, a negative test does not mean you don’t have BV.
How Is BV Treated?
In some instances, BV can clear up without any treatment. In most instances, however, a prescription medication such as clindamycin or metronidazole is required. The medication can be in the form of a pill or a vaginal gel.
It is important to note that if your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you should take the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms clear up within a short time. If your symptoms persist for two or three days after completing the medication, you should contact your doctor.
Can You Treat BV at Home?
It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have BV. However, there are a few things you can do to help your healing process:
- Eat foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt with live cultures, or a probiotic supplement
- Wear loose cotton underwear
- Practice good vaginal hygiene
- Use unscented soaps and avoid using scented tampons
There are a variety of natural remedies that may help alleviate your symptoms. However, if your symptoms don’t improve within a week, it’s best to seek treatment.
Can You Have Sex If You Have BV?
BV cannot be transmitted to a person with a penis. However, sex can be uncomfortable when you have symptoms. So, it’s a good idea to give your body time to heal.
BV can also be transmitted between women through sharing sex toys, vulva-to-vulva contact, or finger penetration. If your partner also has a vagina, she should also go to a healthcare provider.
What Happens If BV Is Not Treated?
If BV does not clear up by itself and is not treated properly, it can lead to an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
If you are pregnant and have untreated BV, you may be at a greater risk of giving birth prematurely.
Untreated BV can also lead to PID, a severe infection that can impair fertility and lead to pregnancy complications.
Can BV Be Prevented?
While it is not always possible to prevent BV, certain steps can reduce the likelihood of contracting the condition. These steps include:
- Using condoms or dental dams during sex
- Avoiding douching
- Avoiding the use of scented products in or around the vagina
Semen and scented products have the potential to disrupt the vaginal pH balance, thus increasing the likelihood of getting infected with the condition.
While it is not possible to prevent the recurrence of the condition if a woman has had BV in the past, the condition tends to recur in most women within a year of being treated.
Conclusion
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common condition that occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is upset. Although it is not normally a dangerous condition, if you leave it untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, especially if you are pregnant or at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease.
Some cases of BV can resolve on their own, but most require treatment with antibiotics. Make sure to complete your treatment, even if your symptoms subside immediately. BV can come back, but if you look after your vagina healthily, it can help protect your reproductive health.
If you notice unusual discharge, odor, or discomfort, seek medical advice. Don’t ignore it, as it can prevent bigger problems later.
