Unusual sexual practices can lead to the disturbance of the vagina’s balanced microflora. When this happens, opportunistic organisms or atypical bacteria such as Gardnerella, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides species can proliferate and cause non-serious but inconvenient symptoms. This imbalance is called bacterial vaginosis and usually goes undetected in infected women. Noticeable symptoms are mainly observed in the quality (increase, change in color or texture) and odor of the vaginal discharge (distinct fishy odor).
Can vaginal vaginosis cause infection? How to treat the infected area? It should be made clear that BV is not an infection but a disruption of the normal flora. Its exact causes are unknown but certain conditions put some women in greater risks of contracting it:
- * Poor hygiene
- * Excessive hygiene (i.e. douching or using vaginal deodorant/ antiseptics)
- * Semen in the vagina after sex
- * Variety in sexual partners and unusual sexual practices (e.g. oral sex)
However, it must be noted that sexually inactive women may also contract BV through non-sexual conditions as listed above. For better prevention, certain practices may then be applied to reduce the chances of developing or acquiring it again:
- Practice proper hygiene but do not overdo it with douching or other vaginal antiseptics or deodorizers
- Don’t have sex
- Use protection when you engage in sex and inform your partner if you observe anything unusual in your genital area, avoid sex when you feel that you may have BV or other sexually transmitted infections
- Do not self-medicate. BV is self-limited (goes on its own). See professional medical help when you want a test or an antibiotic prescription
BV is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease. It is not passed to male partners and cannot be transmitted into other body parts possibly involved during sex such as the mouth, the penis, or the anus.
Despite being considered as a mere imbalance and generally a non-threatening condition, BV can possibly lead to other infections which may or may not be bacterial in origin as well. These infections mainly pertain to sexually transmitted diseases such as the thrush, chlamydia, and candidiasis. Unlike BV, these infections can spread to one’s sexual partners and possibly affect other body parts.
In addition, and as for worse cases, BV may also lead to complications and more medical risks in pregnant women. These complications may include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID, miscarriage, infertility, and even premature birth, or low weight during birth in babies.
Diagnostic exams may be taken if you are particularly inconvenienced or disturbed by your symptoms and hope for medical treatment. It is important to mention to your attending physician if you are pregnant or if you suspect you are pregnant as pregnancy entails more specialized approaches.
BV is a bacterial condition and requires antibiotics for control and treatment when requested (remember, BV usually goes on its own). A common antibiotic prescribed for BV is metronidazole which can be in tablet or gel form. It may be obvious to use antibiotics against BV but it is not advised to self-medicate. Seek a physician for authorized use of antibiotics and a guided medication.
That answers the persisting questions of: can bacterial vaginosis cause an infection and how to treat the infected area.
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