20 years
I went to 2 different doctors and they took samples for analysis, it turned out to be bacterial vaginosis each time. I read that reccurent bacterial vaginosis can cause other problems, is that true?
Oct 2, 2014
The vagina should contain bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which renders the vagina slightly acidic, thus preventing other harmful bacteria from growing there.
When BV occurs, the lactobacilli are usually fewer in number and so the lactic acid concentration is lower, which means their vagina is not as acidic as it should be. As such, the number of certain bacteria increases, affecting the balance of chemicals in the vagina.
The risk is increased under the following conditions:
• being sexually active, particularly with a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners
• use of intrauterine device (IUD), a contraceptive device that placed inside the uterus
• smoking
• using scented soaps, antiseptic bath liquids or bubble bath
• cleaning out the vagina with water or other fluids (douching)
• using vaginal deodorant
• using strong detergents to wash underwear
Treatment:
Metronidazole is the most common and preferred antibiotic treatment for BV. Taken over five to seven days, metronidazole usually successfully eradicated the infection.
However, it is common for BV to recur. More than half of women successfully treated with BV will find their symptoms return, usually within three months. If the initial course of antibiotics has been unsuccessful, you need to make sure that you have taken the medicine correctly and as indicated by your doctor. If you did, you may be prescribed different antibiotics.
If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) that your doctor thinks may be contributing to your BV, they may recommend having it removed and using an alternative form of contraception.
Another option is vaginal pH correction treatments, which are a relatively new way of treating BV. A gel is applied to the inside of the vagina to correct the acid balance, making it a less favorable environment for the growth of harmful bacteria. Most vaginal pH correction treatments are available over the counter from pharmacists. It remains unclear, however, the degree of effectiveness of these treatments for managing the condition.
In general, BV doesn't cause complications. But the following complications may occur:
• Preterm birth if you’re pregnant
• Sexually transmitted infections. Having bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Infection risk after gynecologic surgery. Having bacterial vaginosis may be associated with a higher risk of developing a post-surgical infection after procedures such as hysterectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C).
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). BV can lead to PID, an infection of the uterus and the fallopian tubes that can increase the risk of infertility.
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