Bacterial Vaginal infections: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Vaginal infections caused by bacteria can spread through sexual intercourse and due to irritation by chemicals or fabric. One such bacterial vaginal infection is bacterial vaginosis.

What are bacterial vaginal infections?

In medical terminology, vaginal infections are referred to as vaginitis but this term is technically incorrect as along with the vagina, the vulva (external female genitals) is also involved. So the correct term to be used is vulvovaginitis. Vaginal infections are commonly caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, through germs passed during sexual intercourse and due to irritation by chemicals or fabric. Here we will discuss bacterial vaginal infections in detail.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginal infections

1. Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour (normal vaginal discharge is odourless and varies in consistency with the menstrual cycle). 2. Burning sensation while passing urine. 3. Itching in the vulvo-vaginal area. 4. Pain or discomfort during sex.

Causes of bacterial vaginal infections

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Bacterial vaginosis (also called non-specific vaginitis) Chlamydia infections Donovanosis Gonorrhoea Syphilis Rarely tubercular vulvo-vaginitis is also a cause

TYPES OF BACTERIAL VAGINAL INFECTIONS

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common of vaginal infections in women of childbearing age. It is caused by an overgrowth of many bacteria normally present in the vagina when the vaginal balance is upset. It is common in sexually active women but is not transmitted through sexual intercourse. Although not a serious condition, it can increase the risk of developing other sexually transmitted diseases and so must be evaluated thoroughly.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis:

1. Most women do not have any symptoms and the physician diagnoses the infection during a routine gynaecological examination. 2. A thin white or discoloured discharge. Sometimes a fishy odour is present that is strongest after sex. 3. Itching and soreness in vagina 4. Pain during urination It is important to note that the normal discharge differs from one woman to the next. So the doctor must ascertain the exact nature and amount of the discharge to decide if it is abnormal.

Causes of bacterial vaginal infections:

Research is still underway as to the exact cause of BV. The current theory is that there has to be a combination of many bacteria together for the problem to develop. Also, there is a reduction in lactobacilli which is a normal bacteria in the vagina and an increased concentration of other bacteria. Why this combination causes BV is still a mystery. The chances of acquiring an infection increase with the following

Recent use of antibiotics New or multiple sexual partners Intra-uterine contraceptive devices Cigarette smoking Vaginal douching

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginal infections:

The diagnosis must be accurate as other infections too may present similarly. Yeast, Chlamydia, fungal and gonorrhoea infections must be ruled out. A gynaecologist can diagnose this condition after a vaginal infection. Some fluid can be taken and sent to the laboratory. Microscopic examination of the fluid can confirm diagnosis. Treatment of bacterial vaginal infections:

Drug therapy is effective and alleviates the symptoms of BV. Oral antibiotics used are metronidazole and clindamycin. Local application of metronidazole gel and clindamycin are also given. Recurrence is common and is often seen within a year. It must be treated with antibiotics again. In case the person is pregnant, see a gynaecologist who will prescribe the appropriate drugs. In the first trimester of pregnancy it is better to avoid taking antibiotics like metronodazole.