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What Are the Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Like most forms of vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis is a condition that can cause extreme discomfort, emotional distress and even pain. The process that occurs in a woman's body that ultimately results in bacterial vaginosis is clearly understood, and the condition itself is easily treated. However, medical professionals still don't know many of the causes of bacterial vaginosis, although there are some factors that put certain groups of women at a higher risk.

  1. About Bacterial Vaginosis

    • Two types of bacteria reside in the vagina in careful balance: a helpful bacteria (Lactobacillus) and harmful bacteria types, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides, Mobiluncus or Mycoplasma hominis. When the harmful bacteria outnumber the healthy, bacterial vaginosis can result. Because Gardnerella vaginalis is one of the more frequent causes of bacterial vaginosis, it's sometimes referred to as "gardnerella."

    The Symptoms

    • Some women may have bacterial vaginosis and not even know it because symptoms are so mild. However, more obvious symptoms may include itching and pain in and around the vagina, pain while urinating, discomfort during sex and a gray or white discharge that may be thin and which typically has a fishy odor. Discharge is often more noticeable after sex.

    Risk Factors & Possible Causes

    • Bacterial vaginosis is more common in women of child-bearing age, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is very common in pregnant women. However, other factors seem to play a part in bacterial vaginosis. Although health experts can't establish a direct link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, it's seen more often in women who have numerous sexual partners or new partners. Douching and use of an intrauterine device (IUD) also put women at a higher risk for bacterial vaginosis.

    Identifying Bacterial Vaginosis

    • To identify and treat bacterial vaginosis, a visit to a physician is required. This condition has many of the same symptoms as other types of vaginitis, such as a yeast infection, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, a doctor will take a medical history, including former treatment for vaginitis or sexually transmitted diseases. During a pelvic exam, a vaginitis wet mount test may be conducted: a doctor takes a sample of the discharge and visualizes it under a microscope to determine what type of infection is present.

    Treatment

    • According to the CDC, bacterial vaginosis sometimes resolves without treatment, but all women should be treated to avoid potential complications, such as increased susceptibility to other sexually transmitted diseases and complications during pregnancy. A doctor may prescribe one of two antibiotics, metronidazole or clindamycin, which can be taken orally or applied topically through vaginal gels or creams.

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