Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. It is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge that occurs among women ages 15 to 44. Anyone can get bacterial vaginosis but it is usually common among sexually active women. Bacterial vaginosis is also associated with poor obstetrics and gynecologic outcomes such as preterm delivery, infection after surgeries such as a hysterectomy, and may make a woman more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV.
The vagina is home to different types of bacteria. The imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina causes bacterial vaginosis. It does not spread from person to person, but sexual activity can increase your risk of getting the infection. Some women with bacterial vaginosis may exhibit no symptoms but others may experience burning feelings during urination, fishy smell, itchy or sore vagina, and thin white, gray, or greenish color vaginal discharge.
Women who have a higher risk of getting bacterial vaginosis are those who are pregnant, using water or a medicated solution to clean the vagina, using perfumed bubble baths, vaginal deodorants, and some scented soaps, washing underwear with strong detergents, and having multiple sex partners. Bacterial vaginosis may also lead to possible complications during pregnancy, these include early or preterm delivery, loss of pregnancy, amniotic sac breaking open too early, postpartum endometritis, tubal factor infertility, and chorioamnionitis. It usually goes away without treatment, but for women with signs and symptoms, seeking immediate treatment to avoid complications is a must.
-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla
References:
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis#:~:text=Bacterial%20vaginosis%20(BV)%20is%20a%20vaginal%20infection%20caused%20by%20bacteria,vaginal%20irritation%20in%20some%20women.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/what-is-bacterial-vaginosis#1-2