What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)? What Nebraska Women Need to Know
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition caused by an imbalance of natural bacteria in the vagina. While it might sound strange, it’s perfectly normal to have certain levels of bacteria in this part of the body — in fact, this bacteria, when kept at balanced levels, keeps the vagina healthy.
When BV occurs, women can experience a significant amount of discomfort and pain of the vagina, especially during their reproductive years. That being said, women of all ages may experience BV at some point in their lives.
What causes Bacterial vaginosis?
The amounts of natural bacteria in the vagina require a delicate, specific balance in order to maintain health. When this balance is disrupted, the “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) begin to be overtaken and outnumbered by the “bad” bacteria (anaerobes). This imbalance can cause irritation and discomfort that dramatically affects quality of life.
One of the main and most common causes of BV is douching, or the introduction of other personal cleansers to the vagina. The vagina is a “self cleaning oven” and can be impacted negatively by soaps and scented products, which can upset the natural balance of bacteria, causing bacterial vaginosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Though bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always present with symptoms, it can be jarring when they do occur. If you experience the following, it’s time to make an appointment with your medical provider here at Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents:
- Vaginal discharge that is thin, gray, white, or green
- Vaginal odor that is “fishy” or unpleasant smelling
- Itching
- Burning during urination
- Pain with intercourse
Who is at risk?
Really, any woman is at risk of getting bacterial vaginosis, but it seems to be most prevalent in women during their reproductive years. Other risk factors include:
- Sexual activity, particularly with different or new sex partners
- Douching
- Low numbers of lactobacilli bacteria
Since the above factors can interfere with the balance of bacteria in the vagina, they increase the likelihood of a build up of anaerobes.
How to get rid of BV
The best way to get rid of bacterial vaginosis is by visiting your primary care provider at Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents to receive testing and treatment. We are equipped to see female patients for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, and treatment via topical and oral prescriptions.
What happens when bacterial vaginosis is left untreated?
Though complications of bacterial vaginosis aren’t common, they do exist. Some evidence has shown that BV can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the risk of developing infections after gynecological surgery.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can sometimes be caused by BV, and may contribute to infertility if left untreated.
There is also a chance of developing issues during pregnancy with bacterial vaginosis, and it is recommended to tell your gynecologist or primary care right away if you suspect you have BV during pregnancy.
Treatment and Management
Your medical provider will likely perform a pelvic exam and take samples in order to confirm your symptoms are in fact bacterial vaginosis. Once diagnosed, your medical provider will prescribe either a topical or oral medication to bring things back to balance and ease your symptoms. It’s important to take these medications for as long as directed, even if your symptoms go away.
Preventing Recurrence
Though a recurrence of BV symptoms is common, there is not yet a dependable method for preventing them. If recurrent bacterial vaginosis becomes a problem for you, your primary care provider may prescribe a long-term prescription or refer you to a specialist.
Schedule an appointment for BV symptoms today!
At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, we know that bacterial vaginosis can be frustrating and uncomfortable. If you are experiencing any of the above BV symptoms, please call us today and schedule an appointment.