BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
ALTHOuGH MANY WOMeN WILL eXPeRIeNCe THRusH AT sOMe POINT IN THeIR LIVes, BACTeRIAL VAGINOsIs Is ACTuALLY THe MOsT COMMON VAGINAL CONDITION IN WOMeN…
When something
SMELLS FISHY
V
aginal conditions are common in women – particularly in those aged between fifteen
and 44, but while many are familiar with thrush, it is estimated that bacterial vaginosis (BV) is about twice as prevalent as thrush.
BV is a condition that is caused by too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria, which are called lactobacilli, naturally live in the vagina and prevent other bacteria from growing there.
On occasion, however, the balance of these bacteria changes and the imbalance can lead to an abnormal vaginal discharge.
Symptoms of BV It is estimated that as many as 50 per cent of women will not be aware of – or experience - the symptoms of BV, but others may notice a change in the normal discharge from the vagina. The discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant ‘fishy’ smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods. In most cases, BV won’t cause an itch or irritation, unlike thrush.
Bacterial vaginosis can’t be passed from person to person, but it's more common in people who are sexually active.
42 - PHARMACY IN FOCus
Causes of BV At present, no one knows exactly what causes BV, but a woman is more likely to get it if she: • Has a new sexual partner • Has multiple sexual partners • smokes • uses scented soaps or perfumed bubble bath
• Douches (washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other fluids)
• uses vaginal deodorant • uses strong detergents to wash underwear
Testing for BV Any woman, who thinks that she has BV, needs to make an appointment with her GP surgery or local sexual health clinic, where a nurse or doctor will use a swab to collect a sample of the discharge from the vagina. swabbing isn’t painful, but many women find it a little uncomfortable. The procedure only takes a few minutes. In some cases, a specially- coated paper may be used to test the pH (alkaline/acid balance) of the vagina.
In some cases, a diagnosis can be made immediately due to the appearance and smell of the discharge. On other occasions, the sample will be straightaway because of the distinctive appearance of the discharge or sometimes the sample will be sent to a lab for testing.
BV in pregnancy If a woman develops BV in pregnancy, there's a very small chance of complications, such as premature birth or miscarriage. In the majority of pregnancies, however, BV causes no problems in pregnancy.
Treatment for BV BV is generally treated with antibiotics, which, in addition to the standard tablet form, can also be given in cream or gel form to be used in the vagina.
The most common medications prescribed are: metronidazole (available in both tablet and topical gel form), clindamycin (available as a cream that is inserted into the vagina) and Tinidazole (taken orally). It is vitally important that a woman, who is pregnant, thinks she may be pregnant, or is breastfeeding, tells the doctor or nurse, as this may affect the type of treatment that she is given.
Is BV linked to sex? BV typically occurs in sexually active women, although it can also affect those who are not sexually active. since BV is linked to an imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘harmful’ bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina, if a woman has a new sex partner or has multiple sex partners, this may upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina and can place a woman at increased risk of developing BV.
No one is exactly sure how sex contributes to BV. At present, there is no research to show that treating a sex partner affects whether or not a woman gets BV.
BV is not a sexually-transmitted disease (sTI), although it can be triggered by having sex. In fact, a woman is more likely to get an sTI if she has BV. This may be because BV makes the vagina less acidic and reduces the natural defences against infection.
Avoiding passing BV to a partner A woman can still have sex while she is being treated for bacterial vaginosis because it's not sexually transmitted.
However, antibiotics and cream can affect condoms and other contraception, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist who can give you more information.
Recurring BV unfortunately, it is very common for BV to come back. Despite treatment, it’s common for BV to recur within three months.
Researchers are currently exploring treatments for recurrent BV, but women who experience recurrent or chronic BV will need to continue treatment for up to six months. One option may be extended use of metronidazole therapy.
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