3 Signs you may have bacterial vaginosis & bull; hello healthy

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. Usually, in the vagina there are colonies of "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria. The good bacteria are responsible for regulating the ecosystem in the vagina as well as controlling the growth of bad bacteria. In someone who has bacterial vaginosis, the balance between the two bacteria is disturbed. In her vagina there are not enough good bacteria and too many bad bacteria.

Experts are not sure what causes this imbalance in the bacterial population. However, there are some things that are thought to increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis:

• Have more than one sexual partner, or have new sexual partners - BV is more common in women who are sexually active. However, even those of you who can't still catch this condition.
• To do vaginal douche (cleaning the vagina with some kind of spray device).
• Actively smoking.

Bacterial vaginosis is generally a mild problem that goes away on its own within a few days. However, this condition can lead to other, more serious problems. Therefore, it is recommended that you see a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

Signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may include:

1. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Foul-smelling vaginal discharge is the most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis. A vagina that has been affected by BV shows a whitish discharge that is milky white, grayish, or yellow in color, also has a very strong fishy smell - which may get worse after sex. The texture of the vaginal discharge may also appear foamy or watery.

Many things can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, including several types of sexually transmitted diseases. See your doctor right away to run tests and get the right treatment.

2. Pain when urinating

Pain when urinating is one common sign of a bladder tract infection (UTI). UTIs can be caused by a bacterial infection - such as bacterial vaginosis - or inflammation of the bladder tract.

There are several other medical conditions that can cause a painful sensation when urinating. Apart from BV, you may also complain of the same condition if you have a sexually transmitted infection, such as genital herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

In fact, sometimes, the sensation of pain and burning is not caused by infection, but from using certain products on the genital area. Soaps, lotions, and bath bubbles can irritate vaginal tissue. Chemicals contained in laundry detergents or douche It can also cause painful urination in sensitive women.

It is very important to get tests and laboratory tests at the nearest hospital to diagnose your complaint, especially if you experience pain and have been involved in risky sexual relations, such as unprotected sex or with more than one partner.

3. Vaginal itching and irritation

Complaints of vaginal itching are common in cases of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, symptom that generally results from irritation, infection, or menopause. This condition can also occur as a result of certain skin disorders or sexually transmitted diseases. In rare cases, vaginal itching may occur due to stress or vaginal cancer.

As with BV, vaginal itching usually shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, you should see a doctor if the itching is severe or if you suspect that you have other symptoms of an underlying condition. Your doctor can determine the cause why your vagina feels itchy through examinations and a series of laboratory tests. The doctor can also recommend the right treatment for your complaint.

All of the above symptoms may be similar to vaginal yeast infections and some other health problems. In addition, many women who have BV may not show any signs or symptoms.

How is bacterial vaginosis different from a yeast infection?

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection are two common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. Both have the same symptoms, so it may be difficult for you to tell if you have BV or a yeast infection. Only your doctor and nursing team can tell for sure whether you have bacterial vaginosis.

The difference is, vaginal discharge that is affected by bacterial vaginosis may be milky white or grayish in color, and also have a pungent fishy smell. Meanwhile, even though it is the same color, the vaginal discharge due to a fungal infection has a texture like cottage cheese (lumpy and a little runny).

BV is treated with prescription antibiotics, while yeast infections can be treated with non-prescription drugs that you can buy at the nearest pharmacy. Bacterial vaginosis cannot be treated with over-the-counter yeast infection drugs.

What happens if bacterial vaginosis is not treated?

Bacterial vaginosis generally goes away on its own and doesn't cause complications. On the other hand, sometimes BV can also cause:

• Pregnancy problems, especially if you contracted BV during pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and / or low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg at birth), and urinary tract infection (UTI) after pregnancy.
  
• Pelvic infection, especially if you caught it while you were having a pelvic procedure, such as a cesarean delivery, abortion, curettage, or hysterectomy. BV can sometimes also cause pelvic inflammation, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that can increase the risk of infertility
  
• Increased risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you have BV and are susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, herpes simplex, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Bacterial vaginosos increase your chances of passing the virus to your sex partners.
  

What are the treatments for bacterial vaginosis?

To treat BV, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics in the form of a pill, cream, or capsule (called an ovule) that you insert into your vagina. If you are pregnant, you will be prescribed antibiotic pills.

This condition will usually subside within 2-3 days after using antibiotics, but the length of treatment lasts for 7 days. Do not stop using the medication before the prescription is up, even if you feel better. Be sure to adhere to the instructions for use and the duration for using the dosage.

Antibiotics are the most effective treatment option and have few side effects. However, the use of antibiotics can lead to yeast infections. Yeast infection can cause itching of the body, irritation, redness, and abnormal vaginal discharge (thick milky white texture). If during antibiotic treatment you notice these symptoms, talk to your doctor about the next steps to take.

If you have BV, your male sex partner will not need treatment. However, BV can spread in sexual relations between women. If your sex partner is a woman, you both need to see a doctor. He may also need treatment.

It's still possible to get bacterial vaginosis again at a later date. Learn how to lower your risk for BV.