This vaginal condition results from excess growth of a certain type of bacteria. It’s treatable and affects most women between the ages of 15 to 44 who are sexually active.
Bacterial Vaginosis Isn’t a Sexually Transmitted Disease
Approximately one in three American women are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. The risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis increases if you don’t use condoms, are pregnant, use douches or intrauterine devices, or have multiple sex partners. Although this condition doesn’t spread from person to person, indulging in sexual activity while being infected does increase your chances of an infection.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
Although 84 percent of women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis don’t display any symptoms, those who do, tend to complain about smelly discharge that gets stronger during the menstrual cycle or immediately after sex. In addition, there may be a change in vaginal discharge as the color of the fluid changes to grey, off-white, or green. However, there’s rarely ever any itchiness or irritation in the vagina.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The healthcare provider takes a fluid sample directly from the vagina during an examination to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. Because having bacterial vaginosis makes you vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and can affect your ability to get pregnant, it’s best to seek medical care immediately. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to take orally along with creams or gels for inserting directly into the vagina.
Lower Your Risk — Prevention for Bacterial Vaginosis
- Limit the number of sexual partners at a time.
- Avoid douching as it changes the natural bacterial balance in the vagina. Try practicing vulvar and vaginal care instead.
- Use dental dams and latex condoms.
- Wear cotton underwear as it helps wick off moisture.
- Avoid touching the vagina with objects that have touched the anus previously.
Leaving bacterial vaginosis untreated may exacerbate the condition — it puts you at risk of sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, or an infection of the organs that causes infertility. Get help from doctors at MedTell Inc. today.