Comprehensive Guide to Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Every person assigned female at birth has their own natural vaginal odor. Your vagina contains billions of bacteria whose makeup changes daily. So, it's normal for your vagina's odor to change often. But if you notice that your odor is a little more potent than usual, bacterial vaginosis (BV) may be to blame.
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among people assigned female at birth. But don't reach for that over-the-counter odor relief product just yet; here is what you really need to know about BV and some strategies to help reduce your risk of infection.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
If you're experiencing BV, you are not alone; 29.2 percent of women ages 14 through 49 reported having BV, according to results from the 2001 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Bacterial vaginosis is caused by changes in the number of certain types of bacteria in your vagina, which upsets the normal balance.
Who gets BV?
Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis. You can get this infection without having sex, but BV is more common when you are sexually active. Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, or douching, can upset the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina and increase your risk of infection.
For black women, the likelihood of getting BV is 2.9 times greater. Some experts believe this is a result of their unique vaginal bacteria makeup.
Is Chronic BV a thing?
It is also possible to have recurrent or chronic BV. Recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV) is described as having three or more episodes in twelve months. Frequent sexual intercourse without a condom, douching, and failure to reestablish balance in your vaginal flora are some reasons for the chronic condition.
Recurrent BV will require multiple and sometimes long-term treatments of oral or vaginal medicine. Don't attempt to treat symptoms by consuming probiotics or vitamin supplements; since these treatments don't help.
What are the signs and symptoms of BV?
BV is classically defined by its distinctive "fishy" odor, but it's also possible not to have any symptoms. In fact, 84 percent of women in the United States report not having any symptoms at all. Other symptoms may include:
· Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
· Burning, pain, or itching in the vagina
· Burning while urinating
· External vaginal itching
How is BV Treated?
Over-the-counter products cannot remedy your infection. BV is easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Male sex partners don't need to be treated, but a female partner with BV should follow up with a doctor.
What happens if I leave BV Untreated?
Many times, having BV does not cause other health problems; however, if left untreated, it may increase your risk for:
· Other sexually transmitted infections
· Pelvic inflammatory disease- an infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes. Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause infertility and increase your risk for an ectopic pregnancy.
· Infection after procedures on the female organs, like cesarean section, abortions, and surgery on the cervix or uterus.
· Early labor or birth during pregnancy
Is it BV or a Yeast Infection?
It is hard to tell whether you're experiencing BV or a yeast infection. Both infections are typically accompanied by vaginal itching, Burning, and discomfort. But one significant difference between these infections is the color of the discharge. With bacterial vaginosis, your discharge can be white, gray, yellow, or greenish, typically thin. While with a yeast infection, you may experience white, thick, and clumpy-textured discharge. Also, typically, you do not experience vaginal odor with a yeast infection.
What can I do to prevent BV?
Even if you do everything right, you can still get bacterial vaginosis. Experts aren't exactly sure how BV spreads, but here are some tips to fend off the infection:
Drop the Cleansers and Wipes. Instead, use your hands and a mild cleanser to wash your vulva. Use a cleanser close to your vulvar pH of 5.3 to 5.6. And don't insert cleansing products into your vagina.
Wipe only in One Direction. Remember to wipe from front to back- from the vagina to the anus, not the other way around.
Don't Douche: Douching upsets the balance of good and harmful bacteria in the vagina and may increase your chance of infection.
Limit the number of sex partners. Researchers think having new or multiple sex partners increases your risk of infection. If you can't limit your partners, consider using a latex, polyurethane condom, or dental dam every time you have sex.
Optimal Vaginal Health
You will probably experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in your lifetime. But by understanding how to reduce your risk and by practicing good hygiene habits, you can help your vagina stay healthy and infection-free
Janelle King is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health. She has written articles for Sisters from AARP, The Body: The HIV/AIDS Resource, Modern Fertility, among many others, and featured in Women's Day Magazine. You can find her writing about reproductive health and wellness in her blog The Nurse Note in her spare time. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @thenursenote.