- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when harmful bacteria become present in the vagina, and the amount of healthy bacteria decreases. It is often not a problem as it presents no symptoms and doesn’t lead to any more severe complications, but sometimes a woman might experience unpleasant vaginal discharge, and this is when the condition must be treated. It is not known for certain what the exact causes for this condition are, but a simple course of antibiotics can treat it.
Though bacterial vaginosis isn’t a condition that is transmitted through sexual intercourse or encounters, these factors have been found to increase the risk of experiencing it. The exact causes, and reasons why it occurs aren’t known for certain, but studies have shown certain factors that can increase the likelihood of this change in bacteria in the vagina. Any chemicals that come into contact with the vagina, such as soaps or fabric cleaners for example, have been linked with the development of bacterial vaginosis. Women who are sexually active and don’t use protection may be more susceptible to the condition, as well as women who smoke and women with higher levels of certain hormones. Any form of vaginal douching can remove helpful bacteria in the vagina as well as harmful bacteria, and this can cause problems. The vagina is capable of cleaning and maintaining itself, therefore douching is not necessary.
The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis, if there are any symptoms at all, is the secretion of an abnormal discharge from the vagina. This discharge may be transparent and slippery at first, but can become thick and either white or yellow, secreting an unpleasant odour. Any woman experiencing discharge like this should seek advice from her local GP or gynaecologist as soon as possible. A simple test involving taking a swab of the vagina can usual determine whether the discharge is being caused by bacterial vaginosis. After the results of this test come through, a specialist can discuss the condition, answer any questions relating to the problem and then will usually go into methods of treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis can be treated either by taking a course of antibiotics for a week, or by using a special cream on the vagina. These treatments are both very effective, and the symptoms should be gone in a matter of days. Another test can be performed if there is any doubt as to whether the condition has cleared up or not.