Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an infectious disease that is accompanied by discharge with an unpleasant odor, burning and itching, which interferes with the usual way of life. According to statistics, it is diagnosed in 25% of women worldwide. If vaginosis is not treated, the risk of developing salpingitis, endometritis, cervicitis increases.
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Symptoms and Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
Symptoms
Among the clinical signs of vaginosis:
- Discharge with a fishy odor, which intensifies after intercourse or during menstruation
- Change in consistency and color. Discharge becomes liquid, gray-white or yellowish
- Discomfort. Itching, burning in the vagina and on the external genitalia, sometimes accompanied by irritation
- Redness of the mucous membranes. The skin becomes more sensitive
Not all women experience pronounced symptoms of the disease. In some cases, vaginosis is asymptomatic.
Causes
The main reason is a violation of the microflora balance, which reduces the number of lactobacilli. Factors that provoke vaginosis include:
- Change in pH levels. Aggressive intimate hygiene products, frequent douching, improper care of the intimate area disrupt the acidity of the vagina
- Hormonal changes. Pregnancy, menopause, taking hormonal drugs affect the composition of the microflora
- Antibiotics. They reduce the level of beneficial bacteria, creating favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic flora
- Synthetic underwear. Materials that do not allow air to pass through and accumulate bacteria
- Weak immunity. Chronic diseases, stress, past infections reduce the body's defenses
- Foreign bodies. Forgotten tampons or intrauterine devices disrupt the microflora
At the first signs of bacterial vaginosis, it is important to see a doctor and undergo an examination. Only a qualified and experienced specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and select an effective treatment regimen.
General information
Bacterial vaginosis diagnostics
If bacterial vaginosis is suspected, a comprehensive diagnostic is performed, which includes:
- Data collection. The doctor clarifies the patient's complaints, their duration, and possible causes
- Gynecological examination of the vagina and cervix. Particular attention is paid to discharge: their color, odor, consistency
- Microscopy of a smear. To test for bacterial vaginosis, a sample of discharge is taken. Under a microscope, the doctor evaluates the number of lactobacilli, opportunistic bacteria, and epithelial cells. The presence of epithelium covered with bacteria confirms the diagnosis of vaginosis
- Determination of vaginal acidity using specialized test strips. In bacterial vaginosis, the pH is above 4.5, which indicates a violation of the normal balance of microflora
- Amine test. A solution of potassium hydroxide is added to the smear. In the presence of vaginosis, a sharp fishy odor is released, characteristic of the disease
“To exclude concomitant infections, such as chlamydia, mycoplasmosis or gonorrhea, we conduct PCR diagnostics. It quickly and accurately identifies the microbial composition of the vaginal microflora,” says a doctor at the K+31 clinic.
Answers to popular questions
Doctors at the K+31 clinic in Moscow answered popular questions about bacterial vaginosis:
Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?
Does a sexual partner need treatment?
Can bacterial vaginosis return after treatment?
Is the risk of bacterial vaginosis related to age?
How quickly do symptoms go away after starting treatment?
Is there a link between bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections?
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What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a pathological condition characterized by a violation of the natural microflora of the vagina. Normally, it is dominated by lactobacilli, which create an acidic environment and protect against infections. When their number decreases, opportunistic microorganisms Gardnerella vaginalis begin to multiply.
Important! Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it increases the risk of contracting chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Diagnosis of vaginosis is performed by a gynecologist. Many women ask themselves: why is vaginosis treatment important? Without treatment, bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy increases the likelihood of premature birth. Women planning to install an IUD or have an abortion have an increased risk of infections.