Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition caused by fluctuations in the number of specific bacteria in your vagina. BV is prevalent and may affect any woman. BV is readily treated with medication prescribed by your doctor or nurse. It can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and create complications during pregnancy if left untreated. But how does BV show itself?
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms and indicators may include:

Vaginal discharge that is thin, grey, white, or green
“Fishy” smelling vaginal odour
Itching in the vaginal area
Urination causes burning.

However many women who have bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. Among women aged 15 to 44, BV is the most frequent vaginal condition. Women of any age, however, can contract it, even if they have never had intercourse.
You may be more susceptible to BV if you:

Have a sexual partner
Having several partners
Douche
Do not use condoms or dental dams
Are expecting a child (BV is quite frequent during pregnancy. BV affects about one in every four pregnant women. Because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, pregnant women are at a higher risk for BV)
Have an intrauterine device (IUD), especially if your bleeding is irregular.

What are the possible complicati ons of BV?
Bacterial vaginosis not always leads to problems but can result in:

Premature birth. Premature births and low birth weight kids have been associated to bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women.
Infections spread through sexual contact. Women who have bacterial vaginosis are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted illnesses such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. If you have HIV, bacterial vaginosis increases your chances of infecting your partner.
Risk of infection following gynaecologic surgery. Bacterial vaginosis may increase the chance of getting a post-surgical infection following hysterectomy or dilation and curettage treatments (D&C).
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Bacterial vaginosis can occasionally result in PID, a uterine and fallopian tube infection that increases the risk of infertility.

How is BV diagnosed?
There are tests available to determine if you have BV. A sample of vaginal discharge is collected by your doctor. Before seeing a doctor for a test:
Do not use vaginal deodorant sprays or douche. These may conceal scents that can assist your doctor in diagnosing BV. They might also cause vaginal irritation.
Schedule an appointment for a day when you will not be having your period.
Finally, how is BV treated?
Antibiotics given by your doctor are used to treat BV. If you get BV, your male sex partner will not require treatment. But, if you are female and have a female sex partner, she may have BV as well. If your present companion is a woman, she should consult a doctor. She may also require medical attention.
It is also possible to reclaim BV. Discover how to reduce your risk of BV.
The treatment of BV and vaginal yeast infections differs. Antibiotics given by your doctor are used to treat BV. Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat yeast infections. But, BV cannot be treated with over-the-counter yeast infection medication.
If you suspect bacterial vaginosis please call Queens Clinic and make an appointment with Dr Ahmed Ismail.