When it comes to reproductive problems women are more susceptible to getting bacterial infections and many other diseases. With the many different functions our bodies play from the menstrual cycle, to giving birth amongst other things getting a bacterial infection can be very easy. I am always interested in knowing more about diseases that women can get because of all of these functions we have. One of the diseases that I recently got information about is known as bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal condition characterized by an abnormal vaginal discharge due to an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. The infection takes place in the vaginal canal; Women who are more likely to get these bacteria are women that have fewer bacteria than the usual population of vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli. Normally there are a lot of good bacteria and some bad bacteria in the vagina; the good types help control the bad types.
Sometimes it is a mild problem that can go away in a few days though it can lead to serious problems. There is no real reason why the bacteria in the vagina should get out of balance but certain things may increase the risk. According to Dr. Mangoa having an increase in sexual partners can increase the risk of the bacteria or douching; though this is not a sexually transmitted disease.
You may be able to avoid bacterial vaginosis if you limit your number of sex partners and don’t smoke or douche. Although bacterial vaginosis is more common in women who are sexually active it can occur if you are not sexually active as well. If the following symptoms are present then there should be a reason to worry.
1. A smelly vaginal discharge
2. Have a “fishy” smell which may be worse after sex
3. The colour of the discharge may either be greyish or yellow
Although there could be many other reasons that cause discharges so do not assume, instead visit a gynecologist. When it comes to the diagnosis Dr. Mangoa said that a doctor should ask about the symptoms and then do a pelvic exam. Usually, a sample of the vaginal discharge is taken and they look for “clue cells” in a swab from the vagina. The characteristic odour is recognized by the doctor as well as testing the pH which is the level of acidity of the vaginal fluids.
Bacterial vaginosis is not known to cause other health problems but in some cases, it can lead to serious problems in the following circumstances.
1. During pregnancy: If you have it when you are pregnant, it increases the risk of miscarriage or uterine infection after pregnancy.
2. Caesarean section, abortion or hysterectomy: If you have a pelvic procedure such as these ones, you are more likely to get a pelvic infection.
3. HIV: If exposed to sexually transmitted diseases including HIV you are more likely to get an infection.
The treatment for bacterial vaginosis is simply with antibiotics that should only be prescribed by your doctor. There’s no concrete evidence that is for or against the use of yoghurt supplements. The bacterium usually takes 2-3 days to clear up and treatment goes on for 7 days. Dr. Mangoa strongly emphasises that you should complete your dosage as advised.
When it comes to your vagina, it is very important to take care of it, do not douche and eat healthy. I found this article interesting – Home Remedies For Bacterial vaginosis.
