La bacterial vaginosis (VB) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Vaginosis usually does not cause any other health problems. However, it can lead to certain complications during pregnancy or when trying to get pregnant. Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of vaginal discharge unusual. In some women, bacterial vaginosis clears up without treatment, while in others, antibiotics treat this infection successfully.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is vaginal infection most common in women of childbearing age. Vaginosis is caused by overgrowth of bacteria naturally present in the vagina. About one in four women suffer from this infection particularly during pregnancy, but estimates vary widely.
The women aged 15 to 44 are the most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. The cause is not completely known, but certain practices, such as unprotected sex or frequent douching, increase the risk.
Le main symptom vaginosis is the abundance of fine vaginal discharge combined with a strong odor. The discharge can be white, gray or greenish. In addition to rules, period panties washable and reusable can be used to retain vaginal discharge.
Vaginosis Causes
The vagina normally contains a mixture of bacteria including anaerobic bacteria and lactobacilli. In women with bacterial vaginosis, the healthy bacteria normal bacteria called lactobacilli keep the vagina slightly acidic thus preventing bad bacteria called anaerobes to grow. When your lactobacilli levels drop, they are replaced by an overgrowth of bad bacteria that grows out of control. Lactobacilli control the majority of pathogenic germs in the vaginal flora providing protection against infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy
Most women with vaginosis have perfectly normal pregnancies. However, some pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are more likely to give birth prematurely or have a low birth weight baby. They are also more likely to develop a uterine infection after giving birth.
Vaginosis Risk Factors
Although vaginosis is not passed from person to person, risk factors common in the development of bacterial vaginosis are:
- The link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis is not fully defined but it seems that this condition is more common in women with multiple sex partners or a new sexual partner. Bacterial vaginosis is also more common in women who have sex with women.
- When your natural vaginal flora does not produce enough good bacteria (lactobacilli), you are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis.
- La vaginal douche Flushing the vagina with water or a cleanser can help upset the natural balance of the vagina resulting in an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and causing bacterial vaginosis. Since the vagina is self-cleaning, douching is not necessary.
- smoke cigarettes increases your risk of developing vaginosis.
Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis
Vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. Although in the majority of cases, women with vaginosis do not show any particular signs, sometimes some women develop the following symptoms:
- Personalized burning sensations while you urinate.
- A strong smell especially after sex.
- Personalized itching vaginal.
- Personalized greenish discharge, gray or white.
Vaginosis Treatments Bacterial
The antibiotics oral (metronidazole, clindamycin, tinidazole) prescribed by your doctor are the main treatment for women with bacterial vaginosis. However, to avoid the return or appearance of vaginosis, pay attention to your intimate hygiene.
Avoid the use of douches, vaginal deodorants, or scented bath products. Also abstaining from sex for a few weeks or using a condom and water-based lubricant can be helpful in restoring the balance of vaginal bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis over time.
