What you need to know about bacterial vaginosis
Many women may not know this, but bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal odour. Dr Tina Hylton-Kong of the Epidemiology Research Training Unit shares with us some important things that you need to know about bacterial vaginosis.
1. Bacterial vaginosis is a very common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in Jamaica, especially in women ages 15-44.
2. Normally in the vagina bacteria is present which can either be ‘good’ or ‘bad’. The ‘good’ bacteria is called lactobacillus and it helps to make the vagina acidic in nature and helps to protect the vagina from the ‘bad’ bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ bacteria is upset. And when this occurs there is more ‘bad’ bacteria than there is ‘good’.
3. Several things can put you at increased risk for having bacterial vaginosis — having multiple sex partners, frequent sexual intercourse, douching even with something as simple as vinegar, sharing sex toys, the frequent wearing of tight clothing, antibiotic use as well as having an intrauterine device for birth control.
4. It is important to note that you cannot get bacterial vaginosis from toilet seats, bedding or swimming pools.
5. Interestingly, bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), however, if you do have bacterial vaginosis this does increase your chances of getting a STD or HIV. Bacterial vaginosis can also result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is an infection of the female reproductive organs.
6. Bacterial vaginosis not only affects women with multiple sex partners, it also affects women who have never had sex.
7. Most times women will suspect that something is wrong when their vaginal discharge becomes smelly or there is change in its colour. Along with the discharge other symptoms can include lower abdominal pain, itching or burning in the vagina. Some women may experience a strong fish-like odour, which is usually short-lived and occurs right after unprotected vaginal sex. It is important to note that more than a half of females sometimes do not notice any symptoms.
8. Bacterial vaginosis will sometimes go away without treatment. If your doctor decides to treat you, metronidazole or its derivatives will be prescribed as tablets which would be taken orally twice daily for five to 10 days. It is important for women to complete their course of medication even though their symptoms may have resolved somewhat. The male sex partners of women with Bacterial vaginosis do not need to be treated with medication.
9. Women who are pregnant and have bacterial vaginosis put their unborn children at increased risk of being premature or underweight. Also having bacterial vaginosis while pregnant can cause your water to break before time.
10. Your doctor may take a sample of your vaginal discharge to determine if it is indeed bacterial vaginosis.
