Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a type of vaginal inflammation that results from the overgrowth of one of several types of bacteria normally present in the vagina, upsetting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.
Women in their reproductive years are most commonly affected by bacterial vaginosis, but any woman can experience the condition. Doctors don't know exactly why bacterial vaginosis develops, but certain activities, such as sexual intercourse or frequent douching, put you at higher risk of the condition.
Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include:
Vaginal discharge that's thin and grayish white
Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor, especially after intercourse
Vaginal itching or irritation
Pain during intercourse
Burning during urination
Light vaginal bleeding
Often, you may have bacterial vaginosis and be asymptomatic — showing no signs and experiencing no symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis results from an overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina. Usually, "good" bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber "bad" bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina. But if anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your vagina and bacterial vaginosis results.
Bacterial vaginosis can spread during intercourse, but it also occurs in people who aren't sexually active.
Generally, bacterial vaginosis doesn't cause complications. But under certain circumstances, 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. If you have HIV, bacterial vaginosis increases the odds that you'll pass the virus on to your partner.
Infection risk after gynecologic surgery. Having bacterial vaginosis may be associated with a greater chance of developing a post-surgical infection after procedures such as hysterectomy or dilation and curettage (D and C).
To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:
Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine may be taken orally — as a pill that you swallow — twice a day for seven days. Metronidazole is also available for use topically, as a gel that you insert into your vagina for five to seven days. To avoid the potential for stomach upset, abdominal pain or nausea while using this medication, stay away from alcohol for the duration of the treatment.
Tinidazole (Tindamax). This medication is taken orally once a day for two to five days, depending on the prescription's strength. Tinidazole has the same potential for stomach upset and nausea as does oral metronidazole.
Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others). This medicine is available as a cream that you insert into your vagina for seven days.
Take your medicine or use the cream or gel for as long as your doctor prescribes it — even if your symptoms go away. Stopping treatment early may increase the likelihood of recurrence.
Despite the effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis, recurrence of symptoms within three to six months is common. Researchers are exploring the treatment regimens for recurrent bacterial vaginosis, but there's no evidence to support one therapy over another. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment options, one of which is extended-use metronidazole therapy. A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of "good" bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli.
Bacterial vaginosis can clear up on its own without any antibiotics, but some women would like to ease their symptoms and speed up the healing process. Purchasing store-bought and over-the-counter remedies is a popular option. When looking for home treatments for BV, try considering some of the following suggestions:
The potassium iodine found in Summer's Eve medicated douche can help lower vaginal pH.
Take advantage of the antioxidants found in vitamins, such as A, C, D, E, and B complex, which have proven beneficial for women with bacterial vaginosis.
Topical applications of vitamin E in the form of prepared creams or powdered capsules can help relieve itching.
Purchase cleansing products that do not contain perfumes and other irritating chemicals. Choose hypoallergenic soaps and body washes.
Found in pharmacies and health food stores, you may consider using boric acid suppositories to treat BV. Research suggests that boric acid in the vagina traps ammonia, which is a natural component that infectious bacteria can use as energy. If you suffer from chronic bacterial vaginosis, you may enjoy relief after following a 14-day regimen centered on boric acid suppositories.
A non-antibiotic oral treatment option for bacterial vaginosis is found in acidophilus powder or capsules.
There is actually an attachment for refrigerators and faucets that produces varying levels of alkaline water with the simple push of a button. Some ionizers allow users to enjoy 8 levels or more of varying pH, which some believe can help maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. When pH levels are above 4.5, the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis are allowed to thrive.
If you are sexually active, try to abstain on a consistent basis to reduce the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.
A probiotics capsule contains healthy bacteria that can be partially opened and inserted into the vagina. Follow this home treatment at least one time per week. Over time, the healthy bacteria will grow and reproduce – reestablishing a normal balance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina.
Using a boric acid douche can also help by acidifying vaginal pH. When using this home treatment for bacterial vaginosis, you can curb the multiplication of unwanted bacteria. The boric acid can also work on destroying bacteria already wreaking havoc in the vagina. It is important to note that not all women will benefit from this type of douche.
To help prevent bacterial vaginosis:
Minimize vaginal irritation. Stay out of hot tubs and whirlpool spas. Rinse soap from your outer genital area after a shower, and dry the area well to prevent irritation. Use mild, nondeodorant soaps and unscented tampons or pads.
Don't douche. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing other than normal bathing. Repetitive douching disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina and can actually increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection.
Avoid a sexually transmitted infection. Live chaste, don't fornicate.