Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when some normal bacteria that lives in the vagina overgrows, causing a bacterial imbalance. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal problem for women ages 15 to 44.
Symptoms –
BV is the most common vaginal condition among females of childbearing age. Many people with BV have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they typically involve –
• changes to vaginal discharge
• a burning, itching, and irritation in the vaginal area
• a burning sensation when urinating
The person’s vaginal discharge may have:
• a watery, thin consistency
• a gray or white color
• a strong, unpleasant smell, often described as fishy
Causes –
A type of bacteria called lactobacillus keeps your vagina slightly acidic so bad bacteria don’t grow well. If your lactobacillus levels drop, more bad bacteria move in, and you get BV.
Risk Factors –
Anyone with a vagina can develop BV. However, you may have an increased risk if you-
• are African American
• don’t use condoms or dental dams when having sex
• have an intrauterine device (IUD)
• have a history of using douches or other vaginal washes
• have multiple sex partners
• are pregnant
Difference between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection?
Both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are vaginal infections that increase discharge. Here’s how you can tell differentiate between two –
• Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn’t usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese.
• Vaginal irritation: Typically, BV doesn’t cause vaginal irritation or itchiness. Yeast infections do.
• Over-the-counter treatment: You can treat yeast infections with over-the-counter medications. You’ll need to see your healthcare provider to get antibiotics for BV.
Complications –
Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t generally cause complications. Sometimes, having bacterial vaginosis may lead to –
• Preterm birth. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.
• Sexually transmitted infections. Having bacterial vaginosis makes women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Infection risk after gynecologic surgery. Having bacterial vaginosis may increase the risk of developing a post-surgical infection after procedures such as hysterectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C).
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes cause PID, an infection of the uterus and the fallopian tubes that can increase the risk of infertility.
Diagnosis –
To diagnose bacterial vaginosis your health care provider will –
• Ask about your medical history
• Perform an overall physical exam
• Do a pelvic exam
• Give your vagina a check of pH or acidity level
• Take a sample of discharge from your vagina to look for cells covered with bacteria
Treatment –
BV sometimes clears up without treatment. However, the symptoms can resemble those of other health issues, such as gonorrhea or trichomaniasis. Untreated BV can also lead to complications, especially during pregnancy. Male partners do not usually require treatment. However, BV can transmit from a male to multiple female sexual partners.
some antibiotic medications that a doctor may prescribe for BV are Metronidazole,Tinidazole, clindamycin etc.
Ayurvedic Treatment –
The main reason for problems with yoni is Vata dosha imbalance, especially because of Vata sthana of the reproductive system. Thus, the treatment focuses on pacifying the effects of Vata dosha.
This is done by ayurvedic therapies like, Snehana (unction), svedana (fomentation), mrdu shodhana (purification), etc. The treatment is also accompanied by intake of medications like ashokarishta, lodhrasava, aragwadharishtam, etc. This line of treatment helps in reversing the symptoms in a natural way.
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