Symptoms of BV, their origins, and possible remedies explained
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that affects females between the ages of 14 and 49 years in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but sex can trigger it and it can pass between females during sex.
This condition results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, specifically a decrease in the number of Lactobacilli. This imbalance in the vaginal microbiota is primarily caused by several factors, including douching, new or multiple sexual partners, antibiotic use, and the use of an intrauterine device (IUD).
Douching alters the vaginal environment and removes beneficial bacteria, while new or multiple sex partners can introduce or encourage growth of non-Lactobacilli bacteria. Antibiotics can kill Lactobacilli along with harmful bacteria, leading to overgrowth of anaerobes or yeast. IUDs may also affect local vaginal flora, increasing BV risk.
The imbalance causes a decrease in lactic acid production by Lactobacilli, raising vaginal pH, which favors the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria responsible for BV. The condition is characterized by a hundred- to thousandfold increase in bacterial numbers different from Lactobacilli.
Without treatment, BV can increase the chance of getting other STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. It also makes pregnant people twice as likely to give birth prematurely and up to five times more likely to experience a pregnancy loss. There is evidence that BV makes it more likely that a person will experience a reactivation of the human papillomavirus and genital herpes.
If one course of antibiotics does not treat the symptoms or BV keeps coming back, a second course may be prescribed. If symptoms are present, they may include thin, watery vaginal discharge that is gray or white, a strong fishy odor, pain, itching, burning in the vaginal area, and a burning sensation during urination. In some cases, BV goes away without any treatment.
Treatment for BV includes antibiotics such as clindamycin or metronidazole, which are prescribed by doctors. Home remedies for managing BV symptoms include bathing in apple cider vinegar and water, eating garlic, using over-the-counter pH-balancing vaginal cream, using fragrance-free sanitary and hygiene products, eating a healthful and balanced diet, and avoiding douching.
To reduce the likelihood of developing BV, it is recommended to refrain from douching, avoid using perfumed products on or around the vagina, use barrier methods during sexual activities, and wear breathable cotton underwear. By understanding the causes and taking preventative measures, individuals can help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiota and reduce their risk of developing BV.
- Science has identified several factors contributing to the development of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), including antibiotic use, douching, and sexual activities.
- Maintaining a healthy work-place wellness and health-and-wellness routine may help reduce the risk of BV, as it involves eating a balanced diet, using fragrance-free hygiene products, and avoiding douching.
- Apart from antibiotics like clindamycin or metronidazole, therapies and treatments for BV can also include home remedies such as bathing in apple cider vinegar and water, and using pH-balancing vaginal cream.
- Women's health, including sexual health and mental health, can be impacted by BV, with evidence suggesting a link between BV and increased STIs, as well as pregnancy complications.
