Bacterial Vaginosis refers to a mild infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of good bacteria and some bad bacteria in the vagina. The good types (lactobacilli) usually control the growth of the bad types (anaerobes).
When the bad bacteria become too numerous, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in the vagina, resulting in bacterial Vaginosis. Women who are in their reproductive years are commonly affected by bacterial Vaginosis, but any woman can experience this condition.
Signs and symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis include:
- Vaginal discharge that may be thin or watery
- Vaginal discharge may become white or grey
- Vaginal itching
- Burning during urination
- Vaginal discharge may have a pungent unpleasant smell, often described as having a fishy odour.
However, sometimes many women with bacterial Vaginosis have no signs or symptoms at all.
[ Also Check: Healthy Practices for a Healthy Vagina ]
One may be at an increased risk of getting Bacterial Vaginosis if:
- She has more than one sex partner or have a new sex partner
- Smoke
- Douching
The complications associated with Bacterial Vaginosis include:
- If a woman is pregnant, it increases the risk of miscarriage, early delivery and uterine infection after pregnancy.
- If a woman has this condition while having a pelvic procedure such as a caesarean section, an abortion or a hysterectomy, she will be more likely to get a pelvic infection.
- If a woman has this condition and is exposed to sexually transmitted infection, she will be more likely to catch the infection.
Help prevent bacterial vaginosis
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent Bacterial Vaginosis:
- Minimise vaginal irritation by staying out of hot tubs and spas. Use mild, non-deodorant soaps and unscented pads or tampons.
- Don't douche as it disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina and can actually increase your risk of vaginal infection.
- Limit your number of sex partners or abstain from sex to minimize your risk of a sexually transmitted infection.
Contact at the earliest if you develop a vaginal infection!
