How to Cure Bacterial Vaginosis Effectively?

Introduction:

Bacterial vaginosis, although more common in sexually active women, can also occur in women who have never had sexual contact. So, it is not classified as a typical STI and is easily treatable. A common vaginal infection known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) is brought on by an imbalance in the normal bacteria that inhabit the Vagina. The Vagina normally contains a balance of various bacteria, including both beneficial and harmful ones. A decrease in Lactobacillus bacteria, which support a healthy vaginal environment, and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria are the leading causes of bacterial overgrowth in BV.

What Could be the Causes?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the levels of any naturally occurring bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Eubacterium, etc. Certain factors predispose to this condition are

• Sexual Activity: Although not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), bacterial vaginosis is linked to sexual activity. Women who engage in sexual activity, particularly those who have several partners, are more likely to experience BV. Nevertheless, women who have not engaged in sexual activity may also contract BV.

• Douching: Using vaginal douches can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the Vagina. Douching is generally discouraged as it can lead to an increased risk of various vaginal infections, including BV.

• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Some studies suggest that women using intrauterine devices for contraception may have a slightly higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.

• Smoking: It has been determined that smoking cigarettes may increase one's risk of developing BV. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, it might be connected to how smoking affects the vaginal microenvironment and immune system.

What Indicates Bacterial Vaginosis?

Sometimes bacterial vaginosis (BV) is asymptomatic, meaning that a woman may not even know the existence of the disease. The severity of symptoms can vary. Typical indications and manifestations of bacterial vaginosis comprise of:

• Vaginal Discharge: One of the main signs of BV is excessive vaginal discharge which is thin and watery in consistency and greyish-white.

• Foul Smell: Women with BV tend to have a strong foul-smelling or fishy odor vagina.

• Variations in Discharge Color and Consistency: There can be variations in the color and consistency of the discharge linked to BV. Usually, it is more watery and thinner than the typical vaginal discharge.

• Itching or Irritation: Some women with BV may feel itching or irritation in the genital area.

• Burning Sensation: Women with BV occasionally report feeling as though they are being burned, especially when they urinate.

• No Symptoms: It's crucial to remember that not all female cases of bacterial vaginosis are accompanied by symptoms. Because of this, the infection might go undiagnosed, and some women might only learn about it when undergoing standard gynecological testing or examinations.

What Are the Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis?

The situations which increase the risk of a woman developing BV are as follows:

• Being sexually active.

• Having a new sex partner.

• Having multiple sex partners.

• Cigarette smoking.

• Vaginal douching.

• Using intrauterine birth control devices.

• Engaging in oral sex.

• Engaging in anal sex.

• Antibiotic usage.

• Use of vaginal deodorants.

How is the Diagnosis Made?

Diagnosis typically involves the medical history and physical examination.

• Medical History: The physician will inquire about the signs, past sexual experiences, methods of contraception, and any recent adjustments to the routine. Giving precise and comprehensive information is essential to diagnose.

• Physical Examination: To visually inspect the Vagina for any signs of infection, a pelvic examination is frequently performed. The medical professional may observe a thin, grayish-white discharge during the examination and look for additional symptoms like redness or swelling.

• Whiff Test: This straightforward diagnostic procedure involves mixing potassium hydroxide (KOH) with a sample of vaginal discharge. The healthcare provider then looks for the distinct fishy smell that bacterial vaginosis frequently has.

• Testing the Vagina's pH: The Vagina normally has a pH of 3.8 to 4.5, which is slightly acidic. The pH of the Vagina frequently rises in cases of bacterial vaginosis. A pH test with specific test strips can be used to determine how acidic the vaginal environment is.

• Microscopic Evaluation: A vaginal fluid sample can be taken and inspected under a microscope. This allows the healthcare provider to check for the presence of clue cells—cells coated with bacteria indicative of bacterial vaginosis.

How is it Treated?

• The doctor will prescribe antibiotic tablets and gels to treat the condition. Metronidazole is the antibiotic of choice. But, if the infection recurs, Clindamycin or Tinidazole may be prescribed. The duration of the antibiotic course may vary from one-day or five-day to a seven-day course, depending on the infection's severity and rate of recurrence.

• Male partners do not need treatment simultaneously. Still, female partners with symptoms are to be treated simultaneously as it can pass on from one woman to another.

In What Ways Bacterial Vaginosis Can Be Prevented?

Certain steps can lessen the chances of contracting bacterial vaginosis (BV), even though eliminating the possibility may not be possible. Here are a few precautions to take:

• Adopt Safe Sexual Practices: When having sex, use barrier techniques like condoms. Doing so may lessen the chance of contracting STIs, which can aggravate bacterial vaginosis.

• Limit Sexual Partners: One way to reduce the risk of BV is to engage in monogamous sexual relations with a partner who is not contaminated with harmful bacteria.

• Don't Douch: Douching can alter the Vagina's average bacterial balance, increasing its susceptibility to infections. Vaginal douches should be avoided in general.

• Continue to Practice Good Hygiene: Washing the external genital area with mild soap and water is an excellent way to practice good genital hygiene. Stay out of harsh or scented soaps, as they may upset the Vagina's natural equilibrium.

• Restrict the Use of Antibiotics: Antibiotic overuse can upset the body's bacterial balance even though it is necessary to treat some infections. Antibiotics should only be used as directed by a medical professional.

• Give Up Smoking: Bacterial vaginosis has been linked to smoking as a potential risk factor. Among the many health advantages of quitting smoking is the possibility of a lower risk of BV.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Bacterial vaginosis resolves on its own. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can develop into a chronic illness or cause complications in addition to healing on its own. A combination of symptoms experienced by the individual, a physical examination, and laboratory testing are usually used to make the diagnosis. Antibiotics prescribed by a medical practitioner are frequently used in treatment; it is essential that partners in sexual activity are aware of this and receive treatment together if needed.