Bacterial vaginosis

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Common symptoms include an increase in vaginal discharge that often has a fishy odor. The discharge typically appears white or gray. Burning during urination may occur, although itching is rare. Occasionally, there may be no symptoms at all. Having BV roughly doubles the risk of contracting several sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. It also raises the risk of early delivery in pregnant women.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. This results in a shift in the predominant type of bacteria, accompanied by a significant increase in the total number of bacteria present, often by hundreds to thousands of times. Typically, bacteria other than Lactobacilli become more prevalent. Risk factors for BV include douching, having new or multiple sex partners, antibiotic use, and using an intrauterine device, among others. However, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection; unlike gonorrhea and chlamydia, sexual partners are not treated. Diagnosis is usually suspected based on symptoms and can be confirmed by testing the vaginal discharge for an elevated vaginal pH and high bacterial counts. BV is often mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection or an infection with Trichomonas.

Treatment typically involves an antibiotic, such as clindamycin or metronidazole. These medications can also be used during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. The antiseptic boric acid may also prove effective. BV frequently recurs after treatment, and probiotics may help prevent recurrence. It remains uncertain whether the use of probiotics or antibiotics impacts pregnancy outcomes.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive age. The percentage of affected women at any given time ranges from 5% to 70%. BV is most prevalent in parts of Africa and least common in Asia and Europe. In the United States, approximately 30% of women aged 14 to 49 are affected. Rates vary significantly among different ethnic groups across the country. Although symptoms similar to BV have been reported throughout much of recorded history, the first clearly documented case dates back to 1894.

Signs and symptoms

Although about 50% of women with BV are asymptomatic, common symptoms include increased vaginal discharge that usually smells like fish. The discharge is often white or gray in color. There may be burning with urination. Occasionally, there may be no symptoms.

The discharge coats the walls of the vagina and is usually without significant irritation, pain, or erythema (redness), although mild itching may occasionally occur. In contrast, normal vaginal discharge varies in consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle and is clearest during ovulation—about two weeks before the period starts. Some practitioners claim that BV can be asymptomatic in nearly half of affected women, though others argue that this is often a misdiagnosis.

More information is available at [ Wikipedia:Bacterial_vaginosis ]

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