Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs when the natural balance between "good" and "bad" bacteria within the vaginal flora is broken. It is a fairly common disease, especially in women of childbearing age (most women have experienced it at least once in their life). Although it is not a serious condition, prompt treatment is desirable to avoid future complications. Read this article to learn how to recognize the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and find helpful information about treatment and prevention.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Recognize the Symptoms
Step 1. Check if you have any abnormal leaks
Vaginosis is often accompanied by white or gray matter loss.
Step 2. Check if you smell bad
Usually, in addition to the losses, there is a bad "fishy" smell that gets worse after sexual intercourse.
Step 3. Burning on urination
Although bacterial vaginosis is not painful, a burning sensation may occur when you urinate.
Step 4. Itching
The external part of the vagina can become itchy, although not severely, and can get worse with the use of soaps.
Step 5. Remember that vaginosis sometimes has no symptoms
Many women report not noticing anything. This is an unfortunate situation, as without symptoms you cannot proceed with therapy and you face more serious tissue diseases.
Method 2 of 2: Treating and Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis
Step 1. Know the consequences of neglected bacterial vaginosis
It is not a serious disease but, in some cases, there may be complications including:
- Increased vulnerability to HIV infection in case of exposure, greater chance of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Increased risk of postoperative infection in case of hysterectomy and abortion.
- Increased risk of complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth or an underweight newborn.
- Greater risk of developing pelvic inflammation: of the uterus, tubes and possible infertility.
Step 2. Contact your doctor if you suspect you have bacterial vaginosis
Although in about 33% of cases it resolves spontaneously, it is important to pay a visit, to be able to undergo antibiotic treatment to avoid complications.
- Your doctor will prescribe medications such as metronidazole or clindamycin. These are antibiotics that can be taken orally or applied topically in the form of vaginal gels or creams.
- You should definitely see your doctor if you are pregnant.
- In fact, it is recommended that all women who have had a premature birth or an underweight baby, have a check for bacterial vaginosis and, if necessary, treat it.
Step 3. Prevent any relapses
Unfortunately, this is a disease not fully understood by medical science, so there is no surefire way to prevent it. However, there are several things you can do to maintain the balance of your vaginal bacterial flora:
-
Limit the number of sexual partners:
Having multiple partners can damage your bacterial balance, so try to abstain from sex or reduce the number of people you do it with. Always use a latex male condom to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
-
Do not do lavenders:
they destroy the balance of the vaginal mucosa and expose you to bacterial vaginosis. They do not help you get rid of the pathology and are strongly advised against by gynecologists.
-
Avoid vaginal irritation:
washing the vaginal area with soap, using scented pads and taking very hot baths are all irritating elements that increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. The use of intrauterine devices also seems to be linked to a greater risk of contracting the infection.
-
Change your diet:
some research seems to suggest that a diet rich in folate, calcium and vitamin E may decrease the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Also, quitting smoking is certainly helpful.
Advice
- The bacteria that cause vaginosis can infect the uterus and tubes. This type of pathology is called pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Women who have never had sex can also develop vaginosis.
- Don't wear panty liners every day and, if you really have to, change them often.
Warnings
- Pregnant women with vaginosis are more likely than healthy women to have premature or underweight babies.
- Bacterial vaginosis cannot be transmitted from woman to man during sexual intercourse whereas it is possible between two women.
