Bacterial Vaginosis Infection

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection. Although many women have no symptoms at all, others experience severe symptoms and have lasting effects. It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and follow through with prescribed treatments. Since recurrence is common, follow-up visits to your doctor are also recommended, according to MedicineNet.

Identification

• Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection experienced by women of childbearing age. It occurs when the normal bacteria in the vagina are disrupted, causing an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms

• Bacterial vaginosis symptoms are a thin, watery vaginal discharge with a white to grayish color. The discharge frequently has an unpleasant odor that has been described as "fish like," usually becoming more noticeable after sex. Itching in and around the vagina has also been reported while others complain of a burning sensation during urination. Other women report that they have no symptoms at all, according to Womenshealth.gov.

Causes

• Bacterial vaginosis is still not fully understood so its causes are not always clear. Since the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina triggers the infection, it is thought that douching may play a role in its cause. Douching can upset the normal pH of the vagina and allow harmful bacteria to take over. Multiple or new sex partners can also be a factor in bacterial vaginosis, though there are women who have not had intercourse who still contract the infection, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Diagnosis

• A doctor may ask the patient questions about her medical history, sexual partners and current symptoms. A pelvic exam may be done to check for any underlying causes for the symptoms such as chlamydia or other STDs. The vaginal discharge will be examined under a microscope to rule out other vaginal infections and look for a specific type of vaginal cell called a "clue cell." The clue cells are the most reliable sign in the diagnosis of the infection, according to MedicineNet. A vaginal pH of more than 4.5 is an indicator of bacterial vaginosis, as is the absence of lactobacilli, which are the normal vaginal bacteria.

Treatment

• The doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic pill or a vaginal gel. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the oral form of the antibiotic. Although it can have unpleasant side effects, it is the most effective treatment for the infection. Metronidazole gel, or Metrogel, is an intravaginal treatment as is vaginal clindamycin cream, or Cleocin. The vaginal treatments usually do not cause unpleasant side effects, although yeast infections have been reported upon occasion, according to MedicineNet.

Warnings

• MedicineNet states that bacterial vaginosis can cause complications during pregnancy such as an infection of the amniotic fluid, premature birth or infection of the uterus. In spite of these findings, routine screening is not yet recommended since the overall number of premature births has not been reduced by treating women who were not experiencing symptoms. Women who have had a history of premature birth may still benefit from routine screenings.

  The bacteria involved in bacterial vaginosis can also travel to the uterus and the fallopian tubes. This type of infection is commonly known as pelvic inflammatory disease. If left untreated it can cause an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. This makes the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial vaginosis important to women of all ages, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.