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Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by excess bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis or Gardnerella mobiluncus in the vaginal canal and which causes symptoms such as intense itching, burning or discomfort when urinating, a foul smell and a pasty white discharge, which may also be yellow or gray.
This bacterium is part of the woman's normal vaginal microbiota and is not transmitted sexually. Infection with this bacterium occurs when there is an imbalance in the woman's vaginal microbiota resulting in a decrease in the amount of lactobacilli and a predominance of one species of bacteria over others.
Although it can cause a lot of discomfort, vaginosis can be easily treated with the use of antibiotics and, therefore, it is very important to go to the gynecologist to identify the problem and start the appropriate treatment, which involves the use of antibiotics according to the guidance of the doctor.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Most cases of bacterial vaginosis do not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, being identified only during consultation with the gynecologist or after performing the urine test.
In cases where symptoms of infection are identified, they are more frequent after sexual intercourse and before or after the menstrual period, the main ones being:
- Grayish, greenish or yellowish discharge;
- Vaginal odor similar to rotten fish;
- Itching in the vulva and vagina;
- Burning sensation when urinating.
Bacterial vaginosis can happen to anyone, however, women with many sexual partners, who have frequent vaginal showers or who have a vaginal flora low in lactobacillus are at increased risk of bacterial vaginosis. In addition, the vaginal microbiota can be influenced by changes in immunity due to situations such as stress and anxiety, for example.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is usually made through a preventive exam, also called a pap smear, in a routine exam, or when requested by the gynecologist, when the woman reports symptoms of the disease, for example.However, some women may have vaginosis but have no symptoms, and the infection is discovered during consultation with the gynecologist, through the assessment of signs and symptoms presented.
To complete the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by Gardnerella sp, the diagnostic criteria considered are:
- Homogeneous white vaginal discharge in large quantities;
- Vaginal discharge with a pH greater than 4.5;
- Identification of the odor of rotten fish, mainly when mixing the vaginal secretion with 10% KOH solution;
- Identification of the presence of bacteria and changes in the characteristics of epithelial cells, which is called clue cells, viewed microscopically.
The gynecologist may also recommend urine or urine culture to confirm vaginosis. Thus, after the diagnosis, the doctor can indicate the most appropriate treatment, which usually involves the use of antibiotics.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as metronidazole, which can be applied directly to the site, in the form of ointments or eggs, or tablets for oral ingestion. The antibiotic must be used for 7 days or according to the gynecologist's indication and must not be interrupted with the improvement of symptoms.
During treatment it is also recommended to use condoms in all relationships and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. See how vaginosis is treated.
In addition, to prevent the appearance of bacterial vaginosis, it is recommended not to have vaginal douching, use condoms in all relationships, restrict the number of partners, avoid tight clothing, give preference to cotton panties and perform gynecological exams at least once per year.
Risks of bacterial vaginosis
In most cases, bacterial vaginosis does not cause major complications, however, in people with a weakened immune system, it can:
- Infecting the uterus and fallopian tubes, generating a pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID;
- Increase the likelihood of AIDS infection, in cases of exposure to the virus;
- Increase the chances of a woman being infected with other sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
In addition, in the case of pregnant women, this type of infection may also increase the risk of premature birth or the newborn being born with a below average weight. Learn more about bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.