How to keep that burning, embarrassing itch at bay

What you need to know:

  • Bacterial vaginosis is usually a mild infection of the vagina as a result of the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria. Generally, the vagina contains a lot of both good bacteria (lactobacilli) and bad bacteria (anaerobes). The good bacteria help regulate the growth of bad ones. However, in a woman with bacterial vaginosis, the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disturbed, leading to a situation in which the bad bacteria outnumber the good ones. The condition is more common in women of reproductive age although it can affect other women as well

Dear Doc,

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and when do I seek treatment?

Marylyn

Dear Marylyn,

It is important to note that most women who have bacterial vaginosis are not aware because there are no symptoms.

But when there are symptoms, they might include a greyish-white fould smelling vaginal dischargewith a “fishy” smell accompanied by vaginal itching and a burning sensation when passing urine.

It is advisable to see a doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms, and especially if you have never had a vaginal infection or have had one but with different symptoms.

This is particularly important if you have a new sexual partner or have multiple partners. Some symptoms of bacterial vaginosis resemble some of those of sexually transmitted infections.

See a doctor if you have tried treatment for yeast infection but the symptoms persist, or the smell from your vagina is abnormally unpleasant.

Dear Doc,

Why do I have bacterial vaginosis despite practicing good hygiene?

Koi

Dear Koi,

Bacterial vaginosis is not caused by poor hygiene. For insance, practices such as douching can contribute to the condition. Douching or washing the vagina using scented soaps or use of vaginal deodorants can alter the natural balance of the bacteria in the vaginal environment.

This can result in an overabundance of bad bacteria, which can lead to the condition. Other risk factors might include the natural absence of good bacteria, such that, if the vaginal environment does not make sufficient lactobacilli, a woman becomes more vulnerable to the condition.

Semen can also alter the environment of the vagina, and this is common in women who have frequent sex. Having a new or multiple sexual partners increases a woman’s risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.

Dear Doc,

My friend was recently diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.

Can the condition cause any complications?

Chelsea.

Dear Chelsea,

Normally, bacterial vaginosis does not cause complications. However, if left untreated, it can increase the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

It can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection that affects the fallopian tubes and uterus, thereby increasing a woman’s risk of infertility.

Pregnant women who develop bacterial vaginosis but do not seek treatment are at a risk of having premature deliveries (before the 37th week of pregnancy) and low birth weight babies (less than 2.5kgs).

So if you are pregnant and have bacterial vaginosis, consult a doctor and get the best treatment to decrease your risk for developing complications.

Dear Doc,

I have recurrent bacterial vaginosis even after successful treatment. Is this normal?

Harriet

Dear Harriet,

It is quite common for bacterial vaginosis to recur even after it has been treated with antibiotics. Recurrent bacterial vaginosis can be troublesome and can cause a woman a lot of frustration.

Most women treated for the condition develop it again within about 12 months. If the condition recurs, go back to your doctor so that you can talk about further treatment options.

It might not be possible to prevent recurrence, but you can try to avoid upsetting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.

Dear Doc,

I was diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. Does my partner need to get treated?

Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous,

Usually, it is not necessary for a woman’s male sexual partner to get treated for bacterial vaginosis since men do not get the condition. However, if there are female sexual partners involved, they could benefit from treatment.

Dear Doc,

How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? What kind of medication is used to treat it?

Pesh

Dear Pesh,

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis involves various procedures. First, the doctor will ask questions about your medical history. For example, her or she might want to know if you have had vaginal infections or any other sexually transmitted infections before.

He or she will then perform a visually examination of the external genitalia to look for any signs of vaginal infections.

He or she might also take a sample of the vaginal secretions and have them examined under a microscope to check if there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vaginal flora.

If the vaginal cells are covered with bacteria, it might be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. The acidity of the vaginal environment may also be checked by placing a PH strip in the vagina.

If the vaginal PH is 4.5 or higher, that might also be an indication of bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment could include use of antibiotics to kill the problematic bacteria. For some women, the condition can go away without treatment.

Have a question about your health? Please send it to [email protected]

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Vaginal discharge: what’s normal and what’s not

VAGINAL DISCHARGE, also known as vaginal fluid, secretions or cervical mucus, plays an important role in the reproductive health of a woman.

It is a clear or white fluid that is constantly produced by the glands in the cervix and vagina. Vaginal fluid flows out of the vagina on a daily basis and it is usually a sign that a woman’s vagina is healthy.

Vaginal discharge cleans, lubricates and protects the vagina against infections by getting rid of bacteria and dead cells.

Every woman produces vaginal discharge. While some women might have only a little discharge occasionally, others produce a significant amount daily.

Generally, vaginal discharge is normal. However, the amount produced, colour and smell might vary, depending on the time of the menstrual cycle, and whether a woman is pregnant.

For instance, the odour can be different when a woman is pregnant, or in cases where a woman maintains poor personal hygiene. These changes are normal and should not be a cause of worry.

However, if the fluid has an unusual smell, colour, and appearance, or is accompanied by pain, itching, or burning in the vagina, it could be a sign of an infection.

A healthy discharge is usually clear or whitish (or yellowish when it has dried on clothing). It has a mild smell or is odourless, and the consistency may be paste-like or sticky to stretchy, depending on the time of menstrual cycle.

The amount might reduce or increase when a woman is ovulating. An uncomfortable wetness is normal, but there should be no soreness or itching in the vagina.

Causes of abnormal discharge

If the natural balance of normal bacteria in the vagina is altered, it can change the colour, smell, and texture of the vaginal discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis or infectsion by yeast like candida are among the common causes of unusual vaginal secretions.

These kinds of infections are relatively harmless although they can cause a woman a lot of discomfort. Abnormal discharge may also be a result of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Other factors that can disturb the balance of bacteria could include ovulation, use of steroids or antibiotics, douching, and birth control pills.

When should you see a doctor?

Visit a doctor immediately if your vaginal discharge has a strong odour, appears cheesy, thick, greenish, or yellowish.

If there is redness, itching, or you feel a burning sensation inside the vagina or around its environs, or you notice any bleeding that is not associated with your menstrual period, seek treatment as soon as possible.

It is important to see a doctor if you notice symptoms of abnormal discharge, especially if you are sexually active or have engaged in unprotected sex, because most STIs cause changes in vaginal secretions.

How to diagnose and treat abnormal discharge

The doctor will take your health history and ask certain questions, including when the abnormal discharge started, its appearance, your sexual behaviour, and whether you douche.

A sample discharge or cells from the cervix might be taken for further examination. Treatment will be given depending on the kind of infection diagnosed.

For example, bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics, while yeast infections are normally treated with antifungal medications that are inserted into the vagina.

Tips on preventing vaginal infections that can cause abnormal discharge

• Avoid douching or using scented soaps and feminine sprays in the vagina.

• Practice good personal hygiene; keep the vagina clean by washing often using warm water and a mild soap.

• After using the toilet, always wipe yourself from front to back and not the the other way round. This helps prevent bacteria from entering the vagina, thereby preventing them from causing infections.

• Avoid clothes that are too tight and always wear cotton underwear.

If you know what your normal discharge looks like and learn what the normal changes are, you will be in a position to spot any abnormal changes in vaginal secretions that require medical treatment.