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Bacterial Vaginosis
by Dr. Danusiah Teanapen (31.01.2025)
Vagina contains vaginal flora made of both good and bad bacteria which occurs in a delicate balance. Sometimes, the good bacteria known as lactobacillus get washed away or bad bacteria grow too much. This alters the balance of bacteria in the vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
On top of that, the vagina has a normal acidic pH level which is between 3.8 and 4.2. However, this can vary slightly based on your stage of life. Any change in the pH level can also lead to BV. Thus, in BV your vaginal pH will be in alkaline range.
In sum, anything that changes the natural chemistry of your vagina can affect the bacteria in your vagina.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
Up to 84% of people with bacterial vaginosis may be asymptomatic. If you do, you may have:
- Off-white, grey or greenish-coloured vaginal discharge.
- Fishy-smelling vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching or irritation.
- A burning feeling when you pee.
What are the risk factors or causes for bacterial vaginosis?
Any woman is at risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. The risk increases in those who:
- are sexually active especially those have multiple sex partners.
- are pregnant.
- don’t use condoms or dental dams.
- have an intrauterine device (IUD).
- have a new sex partner.
- have a female sex partner.
- use douches.
- are taking antibiotics.
What are the myths of bacterial vaginosis?
- You can get BV from hot tubs, swimming pools or toilet seats.
- You can get BV from touching a surface that a person with BV has touched.
- BV is a sexually transmitted infection.
How bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed?
- A medical history, including vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will be obtained.
- Pelvic exam including per speculum examination to look for discharge nature.
- Vaginal discharge swab to be sent to lab to see what types of bacteria are present.
How bacterial vaginosis is treated?
- Oral antibiotics need to be taken. It’s important to finish the antibiotics. Stopping early because your symptoms go away increases your risk of getting BV again.
- In some cases, medication in the form of a gel or cream that you insert into your vagina will be given as well.
How to prevent from getting bacterial vaginosis?
- Avoid douching as it changes the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
- Avoid vaginal contact with anything that has touched your anus. This could transfer bacteria found in your faeces to your vagina.
- Limit your number of sex partners.
- Use latex condoms or dental dams.
- Wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear as cotton helps wick away moisture.