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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in patients where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.
What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Although BV will sometimes clear up without treatment, all patients with symptoms of BV should be treated to avoid complications. Male partners generally do not need to be treated. However, BV may spread between female sex partners.
Treatment is especially important for pregnant patients. All pregnant patients who have ever had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby should be considered for a BV examination, regardless of symptoms, and should be treated if they have BV. All pregnant patients who have symptoms of BV should be checked and treated.
Some physicians recommend that all patients undergoing a hysterectomy or abortion be treated for BV prior to the procedure, regardless of symptoms, to reduce their risk of developing an infection.
BV is treatable with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. Two different antibiotics are recommended as treatment for BV: metronidazole or clindamycin. Either can be used with non-pregnant or pregnant patients, but the recommended dosages differ. Patients with BV who are HIV-positive should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative.
BV can recur after treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in patients of childbearing age. In the United States, BV is common in pregnant patients.
The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a patient’s vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria, and fewer “harmful” bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.
Not much is known about how women get BV. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any patient can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:
It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV. Patients do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them. Patients who have never had sexual intercourse may also be affected.
Patients with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse. Discharge, if present, is usually white or gray; it can be thin. Patients with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. However, most patients with BV report no signs or symptoms at all.
In most cases, BV causes no complications. But there are some serious risks from BV including:
Pregnant patients with BV more often have babies who are born premature or with low birth weight (low birth weight is less than 5.5 pounds).
The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes infect the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus). This type of infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes enough to increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube which can rupture.
A health care provider must examine the vagina for signs of BV and perform laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal fluid to look for bacteria associated with BV.
The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes infect the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus). This type of infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes enough to increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube which can rupture.
BV is not completely understood by scientists, and the best ways to prevent it are unknown. However, it is known that BV is associated with having a new sex partner or having multiple sex partners.
The following basic prevention steps can help reduce the risk of upsetting the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and developing BV:
Getting tested for STIs is normally simple, painless and an important part of maintaining your sexual health. There is no reason for embarrassment. Most people contact an STI at some time during their lifetime, but with simple treatment most can be cured. Getting tested should be part of your medical routine. If left untreated, you and your partner’s health may have serious implications, as well as your reproductive future.
With Parkmed NYC, peace of mind regarding STIs is just a phone call away. At Parkmed NYC, STI testing is available with a simple appointment and can be incorporated into your annual or bi-annual checkup. It can also be requested as a separate appointment if you are between times for regular exams but have concerns you might have been exposed to an STI. Call us now for a rapid STI testing in NYC. We are here for your mental and physical health. Feel free to ask the staff any questions regarding STIs and treatment—at Parkmed NYC, your health is our primary purpose.