HEALTH TIPS, GUIDES AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

Bacterial Vaginosis Increases Susceptability to STD’s

As if developing relationships and finding lasting romance weren’t enough, we also must worry about “catching things” when we become intimate with someone. There are plenty of STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) to worry about and that includes the HIV virus itself. Those who are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV) otherwise known as vaginal bacteriosis may never have even had sexual relations with a member of the opposite sex.  BV is not contracted by bedding, toilet seats, swimming, or skin contact, in fact it is not thought to be sexually transmitted directly and women who have never had sexual relations have developed the “bad bacteria” known to cause bacterial vaginosis.

BV is a disruption of the normal bacteria balance in a woman’s vagina

Simply put, bacterial vaginosis comes about when the normal bacteria count and type is altered. Even douching can bring on BV when the douch material is strong and kills off the normal balance within the vagina. Having a normal count of certain types of bacteria within the vagina is perfectly normal and helps keep the area healthy. But when that is disrupted it throws off the PH balance, which is an acid based balance that when left alone provides women with a healthy vagina. This may be called vaginal bactereosis or vaginitis and the lining of the vagina soon becomes invaded with abnormal materials that may cause odor and discharge. While BV is not contracted by sexual intercourse it may well be spread by it. The problem involves an imbalance of the normal bacteria within a woman’s vagina but this can turn into a transmittable infection that may be passed from one sexual partner to another. Men do not normally suffer any symptoms but can pass it on if he has multiple sex partners without consideration for cleanliness between.

Some of the signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Women who have had multiple sex partners, a new sexual partner, or have douched with strong mixtures are most likely to upset that finely balanced environment within their vagina and bring about the condition known as BV. They may then notice an odor that is not normal. It may even smell fishy or sour. There may also be a white or grayish discharge of thick or thin liquid that contains that odor. She may experience burning when urinating or show no signs at all. Itching and burning or even pain may be felt in the area (outside or inside) and a woman may think she has picked up an STD or sexually transmitted disease. Bacterial vaginosis is not nearly as serious as most STD’s but it must be treated to replace the normal balance within the vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis can cause increased susceptibility to STD’s such as Herpes, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and even HIV.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of pregnancy complications

Women who are pregnant when they develop BV or already have it before becoming pregnant are highly susceptible to producing a baby that is either premature or full term with lower than normal birth weight (under five pounds). BV can even infect the womb (uterus) as well as the fallopian tubes. This then becomes PID or pelvic inflammatory disease and can bring about infertility or even cause damage to the fallopian tubes that carry eggs to the uterus from the ovaries. This can also cause an ectopic pregnancy where the egg becomes fertilized and remains in the fallopian tube, which then may rupture.

Diagnosing bacterial vaginosis may involve lab tests

As the symptoms of BV are similar to other infections as well as several sexually transmitted diseases, laboratory tests should be conducted to be sure.

•  An OB/GYN or medical doctor can perform a simple test with a cotton swab and test for the PH level which should be from 3.8 to 4.2.  This is an acceptable level which allows the vagina to control bacterial growth and is normally considered to be somewhat acidic.
• The medical professional can also test the acidity on litmus paper and high results may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
• A “whiff” test may also help determine the nature of a malodorous discharge from the patient’s vagina. This involves the addition of a small amount of potassium hydroxide onto a microscopic slide containing a sample of the vaginal fluid. Positive results are found when the sample has a distinctive fishy odor.
• Testing for presence of “clue cells” on a microscopic slide is another method to determine presence of bacterial vaginosis. The doctor or lab technician places a sample of the vaginal discharge onto a slide then applies a drop of solution called sodium chloride. This sample is then examined under a microscope. The cells visible should be epithelial cells which may be coated with bacteria that can then be identified.

Bacterial vaginosis may clear up by itself but treatment is advised

While many cases of BV simply heal themselves once the bacterial and PH balance has returned to normal levels, there should be an examination made and lab testing done to make sure of the diagnosis and a regimen of antibiotics taken for a few days or so. Antibiotics like clindamycin or metronidazole are especially effective in treating bacterial vaginosis. Patients can be treated whether pregnant or not. In order to avoid BV in the future women should follow these guidelines:

• Do not douche.
• Practice abstinence
• Be sure to have a limited number of sexual partners
• If being treated for BV be sure to use all the medication prescribed, even if symptoms and signs have gone away.