Published on Sep 11, 2018 and last reviewed on Oct 04, 2021 - 1 min read
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis, although more common in women who are sexually active, can also occur in women who have never had sexual contact. So, it is not classified as a typical STI and is easily treatable.
There are both good and harmful bacteria present in a healthy vagina. They live together in a delicate balance. But, certain situations can cause the number of harmful bacteria to go up and cause trouble. This condition is known as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Causes
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the levels of any of the naturally occurring bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Eubacterium, etc.
Signs and Symptoms
Risk Factors
The situations which increase the risk of a woman developing BV are as follows:
Investigations
Treatment
Antibiotic tablets and gels are prescribed by the doctor 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 severity and rate of recurrence of the infection.
It is not necessary for male partners to be treated simultaneously but female partners with symptoms are to be treated simultaneously as it can pass on from one woman to another.
Last reviewed at:
04 Oct 2021 - 1 min read
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Obstetrics And Gynaecology
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Query: Hi doctor, I have bleeding after sex. I have pain while having sex. I have vaginal discharge and irritation while peeing and itching. Is this an infection or something else? I took an Unwanted 72 before three days. Read Full »
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Have taken Flagyl for Bacterial Vaginosis, Still have some itching. Why?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 35 year old female. I had vaginal discharge. When I took Flagyl for BV, it cleared. So, I do not think it as an STI. Am I right? Read Full »
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