What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginal infection seen among women of childbearing age. Vagina normally contains increased number of good bacteria such as lactobacilli. Imbalance of these bacteria in vagina causes infection.

Disruption or overgrowth of certain aerobic, anaerobic bacteria (which do not require oxygen) and other micororganisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis causes bacterial vaginosis. ^{[1, 2]}

Most common signs and symptom are foul, fishy smelling vaginal discharge. Pain during urination and itching is also seen.³

What are Bacterial Vaginosis causes?

Causes of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides, Mobiluncus, and Mycoplasma hominis. Bacterial vaginosis is mostly seen in women with multiple sexual partners or intercourse with new partner.

What are the signs and symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Signs and symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis mostly occur in women of reproductive age. The condition may be asymptomatic in many instances. A few may experience some symptoms.

How is Bacterial Vaginosis diagonised? 

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis

The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is mainly based on the physical examination of the vagina and the vaginal discharge. It is evaluated for the characteristic fishy odor, a test commonly referred to as Whiff test.

What is the treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis? 

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Drug of choice for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis are antibiotic medications taken orally or by inserting into vagina. Antibiotics commonly prescribed are metrinidazole and clindamycin.

How is Bacterial Vaginosis prevented?

Prevention is not completely understood. However, bacterial vaginosis is associated with having multiple sex partners or by new sex partners. Limiting the number of sex partners can prevent the disease. Abstaining from sexual contact during the presence of infection is also advised. Douching is also not recommended. ⁷

What are the complications of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Complications of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can increase the woman’s susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes simplex virus, chlamydia and gonorrhea.


Written by: healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 11, 2011