Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis and Treatments: True or False?
Dealing with bacterial vaginosis (BV), or an infection in your vagina, is never an easy task. BV is considered the most common vaginal problem among women ages 15 to 44 years old. It’s characterized by an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina. While it’s normal for bacteria to naturally occur in the vagina, if there’s too much bad bacteria in the area, it can lead to an infection in BV.
What’s tricky about cases of BV is that some women may not experience symptoms and will only know about it once they have been diagnosed. While it can be difficult to know if BV at first, symptoms like a burning sensation while peeing, vaginal itching, fishy smell that can get stronger after sexual intercourse, or thin discharge that’s either white, gray, or green, should warrant a doctor’s appointment.
Unfortunately though, health issues of this nature are often surrounded by multiple misconceptions and can lead to instances of misinformation.
Learn how to separate fact from fiction when it comes to bacterial vaginosis, especially regarding its diagnostic and treatment methods. Here are some of the most common statements surrounding bacterial vaginosis — learn whether they’re true or false with this quick read.
True or False: There is only one way to diagnose BV.
False. There’s more to diagnosing BV than by looking at symptoms. Doctors first usually ask potential BV patients questions regarding their medical history, particularly about past infections that are either vaginal or sexually transmitted. In some cases, doctors can also perform a pelvic exam, test the pH level of the vagina, or check samples of vaginal secretions.
True or False: Because BV is an infection, it can be addressed by cleaning your body.
False. Health experts have warned that over-washing and douching, or rinsing the vagina with water or cleansing agents, can raise the risk for BV. Douching may cause upsets to the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina and lead to the growth of anaerobic or bad bacteria that may lead to BV.
True or False: You need antibiotics to address BV.
True. However, this depends on the severity of the infection you may have. In some cases, BV can resolve on its own even without treatment. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotic medicines like Metronidazole, Clindamycin, Tinidazole, or Secnidazole to address BV.
True or False: Once BV is treated, you won’t be reinfected.
False. Cases of BV reinfection are possible and you may struggle with it again a few months after addressing a previous case. When a reinfection happens, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment for it. If you have recurring and frequent cases of BV (more than four times in one year) though, you may need to apply an antibiotic gel on your vagina to address the infection.
True or False: BV can lead to problems during pregnancy.
True – but the risk is very low. According to health experts, BV doesn’t lead to major problems in most pregnancies. However, it has been reported that there is a very low risk of complications like premature birth or miscarriage. If you’re worried about the potential effects of BV during a pregnancy, consult an OB-GYN for additional information.
True or False: BV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
False. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an STD. However, do take note that sexual intercourse with a new partner or multiple partners can raise your BV risk. It’s also possible that sexual intercourse, especially if unprotected, may lead to BV if a partner’s natural genital chemistry alters the balance of the bacteria found in the vagina.
Hopefully this guide has answered all of your questions and cleared up any misconceptions about bacterial vaginosis. On a final note, If you notice BV-related symptoms, remember to V Informed, V Open, Visit Your OB Now! This way, you may be able to act on the infection right away and reduce the risk for additional health issues.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-bacterial-vaginosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352285
https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-bacterial-vaginosis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis
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