Bacterial Vaginosis is a common type of infection due to bacterial infection. Normally, a vagina has a combination of different bacteria, but some begin to multiply much more than the normal level, causing an imbalance in the vaginal environment. This is common among women who are pregnant, have an active sex life, or have an impaired or weakened immune system. What are the causes, signs, and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is not a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), but it could occur after sexual intercourse. It is also not due to poor hygiene, because too much washing of the vagina can cause an imbalance of the bacteria in the vaginal area causing bacterial vaginosis to develop.
It is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, but there is no clear explanation as to why this imbalance occurs. Bacterial vaginosis happens when more bad bacteria are produced that cause problems that harm the vaginal area. Women who are sexually active and who have never had sex can both get this vaginal infection. Women who are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis are those who have had sex with a new partner, has had a history of STI, who use scented bubble baths and vaginal deodorants regularly, who wash their underwear with strong detergents, and who use copper oil (Intrauterine Contraceptive Device or IUCD) for contraception.
Some people who naturally lack the lactobacilli bacteria in their vaginal environment are also in high risk of bacterial vaginosis. This is because they do not have enough good bacteria in their vagina to balance out the bad bacteria.
Usually, most women with bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptoms, and a lot of them do not go to the doctor to have it treated. If symptoms do occur, these would include changes in the vaginal discharge, and a burning and itchy sensation.
You may have bacterial vaginosis if your vaginal discharge is more than the usual. Sometimes, the discharge would change texture into something watery and thin, or clumpy, frothy, or creamy. Discharge color would also change into a grayish, off-white, white, or yellow-green color. It would also produce an unpleasant odor, which is usually described as a strong and fishy smell.
Bacterial vaginosis could affect your urination by making it cloudy. Some would even feel pain and irritation during urination, when taking a bath, or during or right after sex.
Using certain types of soaps like those scented ones can worsen the irritated feeling when showering because it can cause the vagina to become more alkaline. The skin in the vaginal area produces a light acidic secretion naturally for protection. However, in case the area becomes too acidic, using scented soaps and vaginal deodorants can worsen the problem. Skin inside and outside the vagina would start to produce redness and become more sensitive. Sometimes, itching would also occur on the outer area.
Now that you know what are the causes, signs, and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, be sure to visit the doctor during the first signs of the infection to prevent further problems that could affect your overall health.
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