Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection which occurs when some bacteria live in the vagina and lead to bacterial imbalance. Some symptoms can be – gray or off white vaginal discharge that smells somewhat fishy. This is easy to treat by taking antibiotics from the healthcare provider.
About bacterial vaginosis or BV
Bacterial vaginosis or BV is a vaginal infection that happens due to the overgrowth of bacteria. The healthy vagina has bacteria that balance each other. Sometimes, the bad bacteria can grow a lot and overpower good bacteria. This throws off bacteria balance in your vagina and causes bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis can be the reason for vaginal discharge for getting fishy smell. It may be the reason for vaginal irritation in some people while others might have the sympyoms of BV.
How common is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal problem for women and people assigned female at birth within 15 to 44 years.
Who can get bacterial vaginosis?
Anyone who have vagina may get bacterial vaginosis. It usually happens in people who are sexually active and it will not happen in people who never have had sexual intercourse. Some people can naturally produce lots of bacteria which causes BV.
You may have a greater risk of getting BV when you:
- Have sex with several partners
- Are pregnant
- Have a new sex partner
- Have intrauterine device or IUD
- Do not use dental dams or condoms
- Are taking antibiotics
- Use douches
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Nearly 84% of people with bacterial vaginosis do not have symptoms. If you do, you might have:
- Greenish, gray or off-white colored vaginal discharge
- Vaginal irritation or itching
- Fishy-smelling vaginal discharge, particularly after intercourse
- Burning feeling at the time of peeing
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are similar to other infections. It is important to see a healthcare professional and know whether you are having BV or other vaginal infection.
How can you get bacterial vaginosis?
Anything which changes natural chemistry of your vagina may affect bacteria in your vagina. There are certain activities such as douching or unsafe sex which can cause BV. You cannot get bacterial vaginosis from toilet seats, hot tubs, or swimming pools. You also cannot get BV from touching the surface that a person who already has BV.
Is bacterial vaginosis infectious?
Bacterial vaginosis does not spread from one person to the other though sexual activity can increase your risk of getting this infection.
Is bacterial vaginosis an STI or STD?
Bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted though it is associated with sexual activity. Sex can change bacterial environment in your vagina which makes overgrowth of bacteria much more possible.
Difference between bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are vaginal infections which increase the amount of discharge. Read on to know about the difference between them.
- Discharge: BV is discharged with “fishy” smell and this discharge from yeast infections does not have strong smell though look like cheese.
- Vaginal irritation: BV does not cause itchiness or vaginal irritation like yeast infections do.
- Over-the-counter treatment: You may treat yeast infections by taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. For this, you have to visit a healthcare provider and get antibiotics for BV.
How long will bacterial vaginosis last?
Mostly, bacterial vaginosis may last for almost seven days to get rid of the infection.
How can you lessen the risk of BV?
It is not possible to prevent bacterial vaginosis but taking these precautions can lessen the risk:
- Avoid douching – It can change natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Rather, you need to practice healthy vulvar and vaginal care.
- Avoid vaginal contact that has touched anus – Few things like sex toys and toilet paper can transfer bacteria to your vagina. Make sure sexual toys are cleaned properly after use.
- Restrict your number of sex partners – You are more likely to suffer from bacterial vaginosis when you have multiple sex partners.
- Use dental dams or latex condoms – Sexual activity is related to bacterial vaginosis. So, you should use condoms or dams when enjoying intercourse with your partner.
- Wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear – The bacteria prosper in moist environments and cotton can help to get rid of moisture.
When should you call a healthcare provider?
You need to call a provider if you have:
- Vaginal discharge that smells different than normal
- Vaginal discharge that changes consistency or colour
- Vaginal burning. soreness, swelling or itching, burning
Though bacterial vaginosis or BV is a mild infection, it may make you vulnerable to serious conditions. You will have to visit a healthcare provider to diagnose bacterial vaginosis when you find anything unusual about your vaginal discharge. Your provider will be able to treat BV with antibiotics.
