Bacterial Vaginosis – Causes and Symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most usual cause of vaginal infection. It is less generally referred to as vaginal bacteriosis. It is not believed to be a sexually transmitted infection but oftentimes gets after intercourse with a new partner and is more usual in women with multiple partners. BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora and shouldn’t be confused with yeast infection (candidiasis), or infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis), which are not caused by bacteria. Yeast does not look, nor smell, nor feel like Bacterial Vaginosis. BV is sometimes referred to as Gardnerella; though Gardnerella is really just one of the normal vaginal bacteria found in excess during bacterial vaginosis.

Depending on the severity of the infection and the bacteria behind the infection, a woman may experience an assortment of symptoms, or she possibly totally symptomless. The most common symptom of BV is an abnormal homogeneous white vaginal discharge (especially after sex) with an unpleasant smell. This malodorous discharge coats the walls of the vagina, and is usually without irritation, pain or erythema.

Symptomatic women most often have a copious, yellow-gray or green homogeneous discharge. They may also describe a foul odor, vulvovaginal irritation, and, occasionally, dysuria. Symptoms of BV include a grayish-white discharge, a fishy odor, pain, burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all.

By contrast, menstrual blood does have a distinct odor and will vary in consistency and amount with the menstrual cycle. A normal discharge is at its clearest about 2 weeks before the period starts.

Other risk factors for developing bacterial vaginosis include smoking, going through menopause, suffering from diabetes, or having another type of chronic disease.

Although previously considered a mere nuisance infection, untreated bacterial vaginosis may cause serious complications, such as increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and may present other complications for pregnant women. It has also been associated with an increase in the development of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.
Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy has been related with poor perinatal outcome and, particularly, preterm birth (PTB). If you’re pregnant, see your doctor.

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