Bacterial vaginosis

Overview

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that can cause discomfort and pain in the vagina. It occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Normally, a balanced level of bacteria helps maintain vaginal health. However, an overgrowth of certain bacteria can lead to BV. One common symptom of BV is a “fishy” odor in vaginal discharge. Some individuals may also experience vaginal irritation, while others may not have any symptoms at all.

BV can occur at any age but is most commonly seen during the reproductive years. Additionally, BV is more prevalent among sexually active individuals, although the reasons for this association are not fully understood. Engaging in unprotected sex and douching are known to increase the risk of developing BV.

Symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis is frequently asymptomatic in many individuals. However, when symptoms do manifest, common indicators of bacterial vaginosis include:

• Thin vaginal discharge, which may appear gray, off-white, or green in color.
• Foul-smelling vaginal odor often described as “fishy.”
• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Burning sensation during urination

If you’re experiencing an unusual odor and discomfort in your vaginal discharge, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and determine the underlying cause. This is especially crucial if you’ve had vaginal infections in the past but notice a difference in your current discharge. Additionally, if you have recently engaged in sexual activity with a new partner or multiple partners, it’s essential to seek medical attention as symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can sometimes overlap with those of bacterial vaginosis. Lastly, if you believed you had a yeast infection and attempted self-treatment but are still experiencing symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Causes

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be asymptomatic in up to 84% of individuals, but if symptoms do occur, they may include off-white, gray or greenish-colored vaginal discharge, a fishy odor from the discharge, particularly after sexual intercourse, vaginal itching or irritation, and a burning sensation during urination. It’s crucial to seek medical attention to distinguish BV from other vaginal infections, as the symptoms can resemble those of other conditions.

Risk factors

Bacterial vaginosis typically affects individuals who are sexually active, and it is rare for it to occur in individuals who have never engaged in sexual activity. Some individuals may naturally produce an excess amount of the bacteria associated with BV.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis include:

• Age: This condition is common among female at the age of 15 to 44 years old.
• Multiple sex partners or a new sex partner: The relationship between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis is not fully understood. However, it has been observed that bacterial vaginosis occurs more frequently in individuals with different or new sexual partners. BV is more common among individuals engaging in sexual relationships where both partners are female.
• Douching: There is no need to rinse the vagina with water or other substance because it is self-cleaning. Such behaviors can actually be harmful since they disturb the normal bacterial balance in the vagina. The natural bacterial balance is specifically disturbed by douching, which could result in an excess of anaerobic bacteria and the emergence of bacterial vaginosis.
• Insufficient lactobacilli bacteria: Insufficient production of lactobacilli in the vagina increases the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis.