A woman’s life is not easy! In addition to dealing with all the changes the body undergoes throughout life, women also face alterations, discomfort, and various little surprises that can occur with each menstrual cycle. Changes in secretions, odors, and discharges of different colors and vaginal discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we will discuss a very common problem in women’s lives, but one that still leads to many doubts: bacterial vaginosis.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs in the vagina due to an excessive proliferation of bacteria, usually Gardnerella mobiluncus and Gardnerella vaginalis in the vaginal canal. It is accompanied by very uncomfortable and characteristic symptoms, such as intense itching, discomfort when urinating, burning in the vaginal area, strong odor, and the presence of a white discharge with a pasty texture, in some cases grayish or yellowish.
Although it is a vaginal infection, bacterial vaginosis is not considered an STD. In fact, it is a disturbance in the vaginal flora, which leads to a reduction in the amount of lactobacilli present in the area and triggers the proliferation of these bacteria. Even though it causes significant discomfort and the symptoms are very unpleasant, bacterial vaginosis can be easily treated under the guidance of a gynecologist.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
As we have mentioned, bacterial vaginosis causes very characteristic and uncomfortable symptoms for women. Since it can present one symptom or another and a discharge with a different color, diagnosis must be confirmed by a gynecological examination. The main symptoms include:
- Pasty discharge that is white, yellow, greenish, or grayish in color;
- Strong unpleasant odor similar to rotten fish;
- Intense itching of the vulva and vaginal area;
- Burning sensation when urinating
Usually, these symptoms are more evident right after sexual intercourse or at the end of the menstrual period. Some women may have the condition and not even know it because of the absence of symptoms and signs of infection.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
Many women believe that bacterial vaginosis is related to poor vaginal hygiene, but in fact, any woman can develop the infection. Of course, some are at greater risk and that’s why it’s important to highlight the main causes.
Women with multiple sexual partners, those who frequently perform vaginal douching, and those who use intimate hygiene products that can alter the vaginal flora have a higher chance of developing bacterial vaginosis. It is recommended to use products specifically indicated for the vaginal area or neutral soaps. Cotton underwear is the most recommended for intimate health, as it allows the area to breathe.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Usually, the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is made after a preventive gynecological exam, the Pap smear. But it can also be identified after the gynecologist orders it due to the patient’s reported symptoms. In some cases, bacterial vaginosis can be completely asymptomatic, making diagnosis more difficult. In these cases, only a laboratory Pap test can confirm the presence of infection.
The main symptoms of bacterial vaginosis to be considered by the gynecologist in order to suspect the infection are: odor similar to fish, a large amount of homogeneous white, yellow or greenish discharge, and vaginal pH > 4.5. Many people mistake bacterial vaginosis for the well-known candidiasis, so let’s clarify the differences.
Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis and Candidiasis
It is very common for vaginal infections to be confused, especially bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis, since, in most cases, both involve an abundant discharge that is whitish and has a strong, distinctive odor. Both have as their origin an imbalance in the vaginal flora, altering the vaginal pH. But even though they are similar infections, they require completely different treatments to address them, which is why it is so important to be sure about what is actually happening.
Candidiasis is an infection caused by fungi called Candida Albicans, which cause intense itching in the vaginal area, as well as abundant white discharge and a strong, characteristic odor similar to chlorine bleach. Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, is also caused by bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis, and it causes severe itching in the vaginal area, discomfort when urinating, and a profuse discharge that can be white, grayish, or greenish.
This unpleasant odor can cause women to worry and think it is due to poor hygiene, but believe me, it is not! And if you try using other products or even vaginal douches to wash away the odor and try to improve it, you will only make the situation worse.
Since they are entirely different fungi and bacteria, candidiasis is treated with oral antifungal medications, ointments, or creams prescribed by the gynecologist, while bacterial vaginosis, being a stronger infection, requires the use of antibiotics.
How to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis?
As already mentioned, bacterial vaginosis can happen to any woman, especially those of childbearing age, and it is not due to poor hygiene. On the contrary, excessive hygiene can be one of the main causes, as it can alter the vaginal flora. Therefore, one of the first recommendations for preventing bacterial vaginosis is not to perform vaginal douching.
The number of sexual partners is also a major factor influencing the appearance of bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections. That’s why you should use a condom in all sexual relations and limit the number of partners.
Does Bacterial Vaginosis Pose Any Risks?
Like any infection, there are risks and that’s why proper treatment is necessary. Usually, bacterial vaginosis does not cause serious complications, but if a woman’s immune system is low, the infection can reach the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), or even increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis can cause premature birth or affect the baby’s development, leading to the birth of a low birth weight baby.
See also: Changes in the Vagina During Pregnancy
Photo: Belly Button
