Doctors refer to bacterial vaginosis as an imbalance in the vaginal flora. In this condition, microorganisms that do not normally occur there colonize the vaginal flora.
They consist of the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis and other types of bacteria. This is what is known as a mixed infection.
Causes and Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
In bacterial vaginosis, the bacterial balance of the vaginal flora is disrupted. The lactic acid bacteria normally present decrease in number, while other bacteria increase. These bacteria include Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella bacteria are also found in about 40 percent of women who do not have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Their presence does not necessarily lead to the symptoms associated with bacterial vaginosis.
The following factors contribute to bacterial vaginosis:
- Pregnancy,
- Birth,
- prolonged menstruation,
- excessive vaginal hygiene through intimate showers or vaginal douches,
- Hormonal changes such as estrogen deficiency,
- Surgeries in the lower abdomen.
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are not the same for all women. Typically, bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a grayish-white, watery vaginal discharge with an unpleasant fishy odor. In some women, the fishy, sometimes sweet-smelling odor occurs even without the change in vaginal discharge. Similarly, half of all women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis do not have the typical fishy odor. Women with bacterial vaginosis rarely complain of redness or itching in the genital area.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis
The doctor diagnoses bacterial vaginosis using a vaginal swab. The doctor also examines the vaginal discharge more closely. The Amintest makes the characteristic fishy odor even more apparent. Just a few drops of a 10% potassium hydroxide solution on the discharge sample are sufficient. The doctor also measures the pH level of the vaginal environment. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, the pH is 4.5, which is in the alkaline range.
Antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. The doctor usually administers the active ingredients as vaginal suppositories or tablets. Alternatively, women with bacterial vaginosis can treat the condition with lactic acid-containing preparations or vaginal suppositories containing lactic acid bacteria, known as lactobacilli. Vaginal suppositories containing vitamin C have also proven to be helpful.
Women who suspect they have bacterial vaginosis should always see a doctor. There is a risk that the infection could spread to the upper genital tract. This increases the risk of a sexually transmitted disease. Without treatment during pregnancy, premature birth may occur under certain circumstances. Another risk for pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis is sepsis in the newborn, also known as neonatal sepsis.
