Bacterial Vaginosis

The vagina contains different types of bacteria and fungi, the vaginal flora. Bacterial vaginosis, also called BV, occurs when the balance between these bacteria is disturbed. The vagina normally has a slightly acidic PH value (between 3.8 and 4.4). This acidic environment protects the vagina from infection and is maintained by the lactobacillus bacterium, which produces lactic acid. When your vagina is less acidic than normal, certain bacteria can get the upper hand. In half of the cases, this is the Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, which is why bacterial vaginosis is sometimes called Gardnerella. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of excessive vaginal discharge, affecting one in three women of reproductive age. Also, bacterial vaginosis is relatively common in pregnant women.

Disrupted vaginal flora

Such an imbalance in the vaginal flora can have various causes. Hormonal changes such as menstruation, menopause and pregnancy affect the pH level in the vagina. But also washing with soap instead of water, not changing tampons in time, a reduced resistance and wearing tight or synthetic clothing can disturb the vaginal flora. In addition, antibiotics and some other medicines have an effect on the vaginal flora and sexual habits, but also stress and, for example, diabetes have an influence on the vaginal environment. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that can recur more often. In some women, the vaginal flora easily gets out of balance, they are more sensitive to it.

The Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always cause symptoms, some women have it without realizing it. Most women notice:

• Watery, grayish white discharge
• Strong, unpleasant (fish) odor
• The discharge is often worst after menstruation or after sex.
• When the secretion comes into contact with semen, the smell becomes stronger
• vaginal itching
• Foul-smelling vaginal winds (sometimes)
• Increased acidity (pH above 5)

Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?

A bacterial vaginosis is not an infection from the outside, but a disturbed balance in the body’s own bacteria. It is therefore not seen as a venereal disease (STD). You can transfer the bacteria to each other during sex, but in general it only causes complaints in women. The complaints can worsen after unprotected sex because the semen can disturb the acidity in the vagina.

The treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is basically harmless, but it is annoying. Treatment is therefore only necessary if you have complaints. The doctor or gynecologist can determine whether it is bacterial vaginosis by looking at the discharge under a microscope and determining its acidity. It is treatable with a short course of medication. If the complaints continue to return after that, the partner is generally also treated. During the treatment you are not allowed to drink alcohol and it is better not to have sex. You may feel a little nauseous from the drugs. Nowadays there are also home tests available at drugstores and pharmacies, with which you can test whether you have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection or something else. In addition, there are now also products against BV available, without a prescription. Although bacterial vaginosis is relatively harmless, it is a good idea to see your doctor if you are pregnant. It is associated with preterm birth.

Contact your doctor:

• If you have a lot of unpleasant smelling grayish white discharge for the first time.
• If your doctor has diagnosed you with bacterial vaginosis and the symptoms have not diminished after two weeks.
• If you recognize the symptoms of a previous bacterial vaginosis (and any medications then helped) and these symptoms have not diminished after two weeks.
• If the symptoms are very bothersome.
• If you develop other symptoms (abdominal pain, bloody discharge, pain when urinating).
• If you are pregnant.

Tips to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis

• The inside of your vagina cleans itself. It is therefore sufficient to rinse the outside of your labia with lukewarm water.
• Do not use deodorant or perfumed soap or shower foam in and around your vagina.
• Pat your vagina dry after showering, swimming and exercising.
• Use a mild, odorless detergent to wash your underwear.
• Don’t fuck if your vagina is still dry. This can irritate the mucous membrane.
• Sperm can affect the acidity of your vagina. Therefore, use a condom.
• Change tampons or pads often during your period.
• If you’ve been to the bathroom, wipe from front to back.
• Do not eat too much sugar, this can negatively affect your vaginal flora.