Vaginosis, also known as bacterial vaginosis (BV), is a common infection of the female reproductive system caused by a change in the balance of bacteria that normally live in the vagian. It is the most common cause of vaginal discharge and has been estimated to affect 15 to 30 million women in the United States each year. BV is usually not life-threating, but it can lead to serious complications in pregnancy, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infection of the amniotic sac. It can also increase a woman's risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and chlamydia.
The exact cause of BV is unknown, but it is believed to be triggered by factors such as douching, using scented tampons, and having new or multiple sexual partners. BV is also more common in women who are African American and those who live in poverty. While BV is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during delivery.
BV is typically treated with antibiotics, but it is important to complete the course of treatment to prevent the infection from coming back. Women who are being treated for BV should also avoid sex, douching, and using scented tampons or pads. If you are a woman who has symptoms of BV, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection of the vagina caused by an imbalance of bacteria.
- Common vaginal infection
- Caused by bacteria imbalance
- Can lead to pregnancy complications
- Increases risk of STDs
- Treated with antibiotics
- Avoid sex, douching, and scented products during treatment
- See a doctor if you have symptoms
BV is typically not life-threatening, but it can lead to serious complications in pregnancy, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infection of the amniotic sac. It can also increase a woman's risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and chlamydia.
Common vaginal infection
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive age. It is estimated that up to 30% of women have BV at any given time.
- Caused by an imbalance of bacteria
BV is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria help to keep the vagina healthy and protect it from infection. When the balance of these bacteria is disrupted, BV can develop.
- Symptoms may include itching, burning, and discharge
BV can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, burning, and a thin, white or gray discharge. The discharge may also have a strong, fishy odor.
- Can lead to serious complications in pregnancy
BV can increase a woman's risk of developing serious complications during pregnancy, such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infection of the amniotic sac. It can also increase a woman's risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Treated with antibiotics
BV is typically treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the course of treatment, even if the symptoms go away, to prevent the infection from coming back.
BV is a common infection that can be easily treated. However, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of BV so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Caused by bacteria imbalance
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria help to keep the vagina healthy and protect it from infection. When the balance of these bacteria is disrupted, BV can develop.
- Lactobacilli:
Lactobacilli are the most common type of bacteria found in the vagina. They produce lactic acid, which helps to keep the vagina acidic and protect it from infection. Lactobacilli also help to produce hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural antibacterial agent.
- Anaerobic bacteria:
Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow. They are normally found in small numbers in the vagina, but they can overgrow and cause BV if the balance of bacteria is disrupted.
- Gardnerella vaginalis:
Gardnerella vaginalis is a type of anaerobic bacteria that is often associated with BV. It is not clear what role Gardnerella vaginalis plays in BV, but it is thought to contribute to the overgrowth of other bacteria that can cause BV.
- Mycoplasma hominis:
Mycoplasma hominis is another type of anaerobic bacteria that is sometimes associated with BV. It is also not clear what role Mycoplasma hominis plays in BV, but it is thought to contribute to the overgrowth of other bacteria that can cause BV.
The exact cause of the imbalance of bacteria that leads to BV is not fully understood. However, there are a number of factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing BV, including douching, using scented tampons, and having new or multiple sexual partners.
Can lead to pregnancy complications
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can increase a woman's risk of developing serious complications during pregnancy, including:
Preterm delivery: BV is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, which is the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm babies are more likely to have health problems, such as respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.
Low birth weight: BV is also associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, which is defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). Low birth weight babies are more likely to have health problems, such as respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.
Infection of the amniotic sac: BV can increase a woman's risk of infection of the amniotic sac, which is the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the baby during pregnancy. This infection can lead to preterm labor and delivery, as well as other serious complications.
Chorioamnionitis: BV can also increase a woman's risk of developing chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of the placenta and the membranes that surround the baby. Chorioamnionitis can lead to preterm labor and delivery, as well as other serious complications.
BV is a common infection that can be easily treated. However, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of BV so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. This is especially important if you are pregnant, as BV can lead to serious complications.
Increases risk of STDs
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can increase a woman's risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including:
- HIV: BV can increase a woman's risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This is because BV can cause inflammation and irritation of the vagina, which makes it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream.
- Chlamydia: BV can also increase a woman's risk of contracting chlamydia, a common STD that can lead to serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
- Gonorrhea: BV can also increase a woman's risk of contracting gonorrhea, another common STD that can lead to serious health problems, such as PID and infertility.
- Syphilis: BV can also increase a woman's risk of contracting syphilis, a serious STD that can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, blindness, and neurological problems.
BV is a common infection that can be easily treated. However, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of BV so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. This is especially important if you are sexually active, as BV can increase your risk of contracting STDs.
Treated with antibiotics
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is typically treated with antibiotics. The most common antibiotics used to treat BV are metronidazole and clindamycin.
- Metronidazole: Metronidazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including the bacteria that cause BV. It is typically taken by mouth for 7 days.
- Clindamycin: Clindamycin is another broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including the bacteria that cause BV. It is typically taken by mouth for 7 days or applied as a vaginal cream for 3 days.
- Tinidazole: Tinidazole is an effective antibiotic for the treatment of BV that is taken in a single dose.
It is important to take all of the medication as prescribed, even if the symptoms go away. Stopping the medication early can lead to the infection coming back. BV can also be treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. However, the type of antibiotic that is used during pregnancy may be different than the type of antibiotic that is used in non-pregnant women.