The Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition resulting from an imbalance between bad and good types of bacteria in the vagina. Studies have found that nearly 30% of women suffer from BV, although the condition does not always present symptoms. Before looking for possible treatments, you should learn more about this ailment, for instance, the causes, risk factors, and much more.

Cause: Bacterial Imbalance

As mentioned earlier, bacterial vaginosis is an illness caused by an uneven amount of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina. The exact reason for this imbalance occurring is not always clear, but it is better to understand the risk factors and your likelihood of acquiring this condition.

The vagina has a natural bacterial flora, typically consisting mostly of lactobacillus bacteria. This bacterium thrives in an acidic environment, which they create for themselves by producing lactic acid – the presence of which prevents the growth of other harmful bacteria. If the vagina is not as acidic as it should be, harmful microorganisms can multiply.

Symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can include:

• Thin, green, white, or gray vaginal discharge
• A ‘fishy’ vaginal smell
• Vaginal irritation
• Burning sensation when urinating

Risk Factors

Several factors influence your chance of getting BV.

• Multiple or new sex partners. It is still not fully understood why BV is linked to sexual activity. However, statistics show that bacterial vaginosis is more common among women who have multiple sex partners or who regularly change partners. This is even more common with lesbians. Although it is important to note that even if a woman is not sexually active, she may still contract the disease.
• Douching. Some women practice flushing their vaginas with water or other detergents. Even if you feel clean afterward, this shower only harms the natural environment of the vagina. In fact, scientific studies have found a link between bacterial vaginosis and douching. Ultimately, anaerobic bacteria develop excessively, leading to bacterial vaginosis. Keep in mind that the vagina can clean itself, so no douching is required.
• Some more risk factors include the use of an IUD (a contraceptive method, knows as an intrauterine device), pregnancy, smoking, the use of aromatic soaps and harsh detergents, the use of strong cleansing agents for washing panties, previous infections by the human papillomavirus, and a diet very high in carbohydrates.

How to Prevent and Reduce the Risks

• Promote bacteriological balance. Rinse your vagina and anus every day with mild soap or detergent. You should also wipe from the vagina to the anus and not the other way around. Skinny pants and tights are not recommended as they do not provide adequate flow and ventilation.
• Regular examinations. Your doctor should check your pelvic area regularly. You should be honest and not be ashamed to tell your nurse or doctor about the symptoms. Regular examination of the female genitalia is very important as there are cases where this condition has no symptoms at all. If you have been prescribed medicine, ensure you follow the dosage and complete it.
• If you are pregnant, you should consult a doctor to monitor your condition. If not treated, this can lead to premature birth or low birth weight. A lack of treatment, even when you’re not expectant, can lead to other problems, such as inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (lesions of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries) and a higher possibility of STDs.
• Safe sex. You should always use protection, like condoms, against sexually transmitted infections. This also helps lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant. However, finding out about any risk factors you may have, taking preventative action, and following the advice above can help you to avoid this common infection.