Bacterial vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis occurs because of an overgrowth of one of several bacteria naturally found in your vagina. Usually, if there are too many bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms and cause bacterial vaginosis.^[2] This causes the normal pH of your vagina to rise, which results in a pale discharge and a strong smell. This is only the case for half of affected women though; 50% of women with bacterial vaginosis don’t get any symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis isn’t sexually transmitted but it is linked to sexual activity. It can occur more often in women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner.

Who gets bacterial vaginosis?

Anyone with a vagina can develop bacterial vaginosis; pre-pubescent, child-bearing, and post-menopausal women are all at risk. However, the condition is slightly more common in sexually active people.

Many bacterial vaginosis cases are caused by the upset pH balance of the vagina, which, more often than not, is a result of using too many perfumed products or topical treatments containing plastics and chemicals.

How common is bacterial vaginosis?

Although the prevalence varies from each country, bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infections in women of reproductive age.^[1] It’s most common in sexually active women, and it can vary in severity. It sometimes is symptomless, so it can be difficult to detect.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

The cause of bacterial vaginosis is the disturbance of the regular bacterial environment in the vagina. There are lifestyle choices and other factors that can alter the bacteria in the vagina, which include: ^[2]

• being sexually active
• being sexually active with a new partner
• having an IUD
• smoking
• using perfumed products on or around the vagina
• a recent course of antibiotics

Additionally, some studies have found a lack of hygiene can also increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. For example, those who washed their vagina region frequently were more than 10% less susceptible to getting bacterial vaginosis.^[2]

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

While half of people with bacterial vaginosis won’t experience any symptoms, the other half will usually notice a discharge which ranges in texture, from a thin mucus to a thicker substance, and in colour (either white, pink, beige, or greyish). The discharge produces a strong fishlike smell which usually signals an overgrowth of bacteria.

Additional symptoms include discomfort and pain near the vaginal region or while urinating, painful sexual intercourse, and vaginal itching. Some women might also be asymptomatic. This means you won’t experience any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

Can I protect myself against bacterial vaginosis?

The best way to prevent developing bacterial vaginosis is to use condoms regularly when you have sex, especially when having sex with new partners. Sexual activity changes the microbiome of the vagina, as you introduce new bacteria from another partner.

Other preventative actions you could take include adopting a healthier lifestyle: by stopping smoking and choosing a healthier diet, coupled with regular exercise, you may reduce your vulnerability.

It might be worth reviewing your method of contraception if you are currently using a copper IUD. Research suggests that the copper IUD puts you at an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis, as it changes the microbiome of your vagina and leads to heavier bleeding. ^[1]

Can bacterial vaginosis lead to other problems?

Bacterial vaginosis does not directly lead to other health concerns. But it does increase our vulnerability to developing other infections, particularly sexually transmitted ones like chlamydia or other bacterial infections.

All bacterial infections are serious if left untreated, and it’s especially important to treat any found in pregnant women as such infection can threaten the pregnancy as well as endangering the mother. Contracting bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy risks premature birth and a low birth weight. Bacterial vaginosis can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems if you are trying to get pregnant.