Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can clear up on its own. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms, see your doctor. This is especially true if you’re pregnant. Having BV can increase your chance of having a preterm birth.
It’s common for BV to come back. Some people may be more prone to getting BV, which is likely related to their body chemistry and vaginal environment. BV may clear up and come back, or it could be that it never completely cleared in the first place.
Talk with your doctor about some lifestyle changes you can make or if you’re a candidate for medication to prevent BV.
BV is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria in the vagina. The reason for this shift is not well understood, but it’s likely related to changes in the vaginal environment. For instance, you may be often more prone to getting BV if you don’t change into clean clothes after a workout or if you douche. The most common bacterial overgrowth is Gardnerella vaginalis.
For some people, BV doesn’t always result in symptoms. For people who do experience symptoms, they can include:
- a strong odor (usually described as “fishy”)
- a thin white or gray discharge
- vaginal irritation or discomfort
- burning sensation while peeing
- pain, burning, or itching on the inside or outside of the vagina
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BV is not a sexually transmitted disease. However, if you’re sexually active, you might have an increased chance of developing BV. Having BV can also increase your chance of getting other sexually transmitted infections.
Aside from having some uncomfortable symptoms, BV doesn’t usually cause any serious health problems for most healthy people.
Some people who get BV might need more attention. If you’re pregnant, having BV can increase the chance of preterm birth or your child having a low birth weight. Or, if you’re planning to undergo a gynecologic procedure, having an active episode of BV can increase your chance of infection. For these types of people, it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re experiencing symptoms so you can get treated.
There’s a diverse population of microorganisms in the vagina. This is typical. An overgrowth causes BV, most commonly of Gardnerella vaginalis — just one kind of bacteria commonly found in the vagina.
An overabundance of yeast species causes a yeast infection. Symptoms commonly include a thick, white vaginal discharge, or itching. It’s not associated with an odor.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether you have BV or a yeast infection based on symptoms alone. If you’re not sure, make an appointment with your doctor.
If you live in the United States, BV is usually treated with antibiotics that require a prescription. The common antibiotics are metronidazole or clindamycin, although there are others that are less commonly used. In the United Kingdom, there are some non-prescription gels and creams available over-the-counter (OTC) to treat BV.
There’s medication in the form of an oral pill, a gel, or a suppository to be placed in the vagina. You shouldn’t consume any alcoholic beverages while taking metronidazole, and for 24 hours after the last dose. Doing so can cause you to have an adverse reaction to the medication.
Since the exact cause of BV isn’t well understood, it’s hard to pinpoint how to prevent it. However, using a condom or other barrier method during sexual activity can lower your chance of getting BV.
You should also avoid douching, since it can wipe out the bacteria that help keep the balance in the vagina. Along these lines, it’s helpful to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
You should call a doctor if you have:
- fevers, chills, or severe pain along with unusual vaginal discharge and odor
- a new partner(s) and are worried you may have a sexually transmitted infection
- an unusual vaginal discharge and are pregnant
Carolyn Kay, MD, is an obstetrics and gynecology surgeon whose special interests include reproductive health, contraception, and medical education. Dr. Kay earned her Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York. She completed her residency at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine in New Hyde Park.