Bacterial Vaginosis or Vaginal Infection

Pelvis | Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Bacterial Vaginosis or Vaginal Infection (Disease)


Description

Bacterial vaginosis is a medical condition that is characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although bacterial vaginosis is not a dangerous disorder, it can cause upsetting symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: vaginal discharge thats thin and grayish white; foul-smelling fishy vaginal odor, especially after sexual intercourse; vaginal itching or irritation; pain during intercourse; burning during urination; light vaginal bleeding. Often, you may have bacterial vaginosis and be asymptomatic. Under certain circumstances, having bacterial vaginosis may lead to: preterm birth, sexually transmitted infections and infection risk after gynecologic surgery.

Causes and Risk factors

When organism normally present in the vagina start overgrowing, the result is a bacterial vaginosis. The microorganisms involved in bacterial vaginosis are very diverse, but include Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Bacteroides, and Mycoplasma. Bacterial vaginosis can spread during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs in people who arent sexually active.

Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include: multiple sex partners or a new sex partner; douching (the practice of rinsing out your vagina with water or a cleansing agent upsets the natural balance of your vaginal environment); women who use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control; black race; a natural lack of Lactobacillus bacteria.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Tests include pelvic exam and sample of vaginal secretion. The usual medical regimen for treatment is the antibiotic Metronidazole, but Clindamycin or Tinidazole are also used. ...