Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, which disrupts the balance of bacteria in the vagina. It can occur in women of all ages, but is most common in women of reproductive age. Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor, especially after intercourse. Therefore, if you notice anything unusual, you should see a doctor immediately for proper examination and treatment.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a mild vaginal infection that occurs when the bacteria in the vagina become out of balance. It can be caused by unprotected sex or frequent vaginal douching. Bacterial vaginosis can occur in women of all ages, but it is most common in women of reproductive age. Although bacterial vaginosis does not cause other health problems, if it is not treated properly,เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย it can lead to dangerous complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV infection, gonorrhea, and herpes .
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
Usually, when you have a bacterial vaginosis, there are no symptoms. This may be why many people don’t know they have a bacterial vaginosis. Sometimes, the symptoms may come and go. Some of the symptoms of a bacterial vaginosis that you may notice are as follows:
- Itching, pain, or burning sensation in the vagina
- Itching around the outside of the vagina
- The vaginal discharge turns gray or green and may be frothy.
- Pain or burning during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor, especially after intercourse.
- Burning sensation when urinating
- The pH level in the vagina is not balanced, i.e. higher than 4.5. Normally, the pH level is between 3.8-4.5.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have the following symptoms, you should see a doctor.
- There is a wound in the vagina.
- Have a history of bacterial vaginosis
- Having multiple sexual partners, but sometimes the symptoms that appear can be similar to those of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Treat bacterial vaginosis with over-the-counter medications, but symptoms persist
- New vaginal discharge has an odor
- Have a fever
In this case, you should see a doctor when you are not menstruating because this will allow the doctor to examine the vaginal discharge that occurs.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It can also be caused by:
- Unprotected sex
- Use a perfumed lubricant during sex.
- Using sex toys without cleaning them
- Have a history of sexually transmitted diseases
- Change sexual partners frequently
- Use a contraceptive ring
- Using soap to clean the vagina and douching too often.
- Menstrual periods are unusually heavy or prolonged.
- Pregnancy or menopause, which can cause hormonal changes.
- Wearing tight underwear, stockings, or pants for long periods of time
How to treat bacterial vaginosis
To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- Metronidazole comes in both a tablet form that you take orally and a topical gel that you apply into the vagina. It is important to avoid drinking alcohol during treatment and for at least 1 day after to reduce the risk of stomach pain or nausea.
- Secnidazole is an antibiotic that comes in a single-dose tablet form. It is sprinkled onto a soft food, such as yogurt. It should be taken within 30 minutes, being careful not to chew the tablet.
- Clindamycin comes as a cream that is inserted into the vagina. This medication may weaken condoms, so avoid sex during treatment and for at least 3 days after stopping use of the cream.
- Tinidazole is an oral medication that may cause stomach pain and nausea, so avoid drinking alcohol during treatment and for at least 3 days after it is completed.
Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis should seek treatment to reduce the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. Additionally, use the medication, cream, or gel as prescribed by your doctor, even after symptoms have cleared, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
How to prevent bacterial vaginosis
Here are some ways to reduce your chances of getting a bacterial vaginosis:
- Wear a condom every time you have sex.
- Get tested for STDs and make sure your partners are also tested.
- Do not change sexual partners frequently.
- Clean sex toys every time, both before and after use.
- Wash your genitals with clean water or mild soap. Avoid douching frequently as this can change the pH level in the vagina.
- Eat foods that contain lactobacillus, a bacterium that cleans the vagina and maintains the vagina’s acidity, such as yogurt.
- Change sanitary pads regularly and avoid using tampons or sanitary pads that contain perfume regularly to prevent moisture and irritation.
- Change out of wet clothing immediately, such as exercise clothes or swimsuits.
- Avoid wearing underwear, stockings or pants that are too tight. Choose underwear made of cotton or other natural fibers that allow good air circulation, as well as loose pants or skirts to prevent moisture.