Exploring Bacterial Vaginosis(BV), a Vaginal Infection.

The most common reason behind vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis, and it is the most common type of abnormal discharge that exists. Usually, the vagina contains vaginal flora, which is a type of bacteria that exists inside the vagina, when in its normal form, vaginal flora is filled with different kinds of lactobacillus species. The presence of lactobacilli in the vagina, helps to maintain its health by producing the likes of; lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide alongside other substances that curbs the growth of yeast as well as other available unwanted organisms, this way the PH of the vagina is maintained at around 4, which is certainly, an acidic state, at this state, the vagina is protected against infection. 1

Every part of the body contains bacteria, but only some of these bacteria's are harmful, health issues becomes prominent when there comes more harmful bacteria's in the body than the less harmful ones.
Bacterial vaginosis, occurs as a result of the imbalance in the number of bacteria in the vagina, both the harmful and the beneficial ones. There are people who regard the vagina as a mere passage for menstruation, sperm or neonates, but the vagina is a more versatile organ than that, as it has the capacity to harm women and their infants. Microbes play a significant role in the determination of the biochemical and the inflammatory profile of the vagina, and it’s surrounding environment. Bacterial vaginosis, may produce a fishy odor and even create some form of vaginal irritation in some women, while other women may not even show any symptom at all.

Any woman can have bacterial vaginosis (BV), regardless of the age, even young ladies who haven't had sex before can have bacterial vaginosis, although this is a rare situation as it happens more frequently in ladies who are sexually active. Although, BV isn't contagious, the risk of having the virus spreads based on increase sexual activities.
Those with a higher chance of BV are;

• Pregnant women.
• Those who have a new sex partner.
• Those who do not practice safe sex.
• People who use douches.
• A female with a female sex partner.
• Those who have multiple sex partners.
• Female, heavy smokers
  Bacterial Vaginosis(BV) can as well be acquired from infected toilet seats, infected swimming pools and bedding. 2

I have mentioned earlier that not all cases of BV come with symptoms, some of those who have symptoms usually have these symptoms;

• An itchy or a sore vagina.
• Discharge with a fishy odor.
• The fishy smell that comes out strong after an ended sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
• Vaginal discharge that is off-white, or greenish or grey in color.

Complications associated with Bacterial Vaginosis(BV).

BV comes with serious embarrassment, no one wants to walk around with a vagina smelling like a fish, but the complications associated with BV poises even more danger.
Pregnancy: A pregnant woman, who has BV, can experience;

• Pregnancy loss.

• Have her amniotic sac break open too easily.

• Preterm or early delivery.

• Chorioamnionitis- This is a membrane inflammation around the fetus. It increases the possibility of having an early delivery, if the newborn survives, there is an increased risk of the child having cerebral palsy.

• Postpartum edometritis- This is an inflammatory irritation of the uterus lining after delivery.

Complications in Fertility: BV can affect and reduce the chances of an expectant woman to conceive, associated complications are;

• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of the upper region of the female genital tract, also causing other serious issues, including fertility issues.

• Tubal infertility: This infertility creates damage to the fallopian tubes, responsible for the connection of the uterus to the ovaries.

• Unsuccessful case of IVF: With the presence of BV, any IVF procedure done, has a lower chance of survival.

Some other cases of complications associated with bacterial vaginosis(BV) are; sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like; chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Postsurgical infection.

• Those with BV stand a higher chance of getting HIV.

In some cases, bacterial vaginosis(BV) clears up by itself without any type of treatment, but the symptoms could be mistaken for a more serious health problem like; gonorrhea or trichomaniasis, it is only an appropriate diagnosis by a professional that will guarantee the presence of BV and eradicate the possibility of other serious illnesses. Remember, we also established possible complications of untreated Bacterial vaginosis(BV) earlier, so it is important to get tested and great treated on time. 3

I will also love to establish the fact that, bacterial vaginosis(BV)
is different from vaginal yeast infection, because yeast infection is an overgrowth of candida fungus, while bacterial vaginosis(BV) occurs as a result of bacterial condition.
Yeast infection would cause;

• Painful urination.
• Painful sexual intercourse.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal itch or soreness.

There are strategies to help prevent bacterial vaginosis(BV), following these strategies would greatly reduce the possibility of having the bacterial infection;

• Avoid the use of vaginal deodorants and scented soaps.
• Do not douch.
• Use a neat and well-treated toilet always.
• Always practice safe sex, especially when you have more than one sexual partner.
• Do not wash your underwear with harsh detergents.

Summary.

Bacterial vaginosis(BV), is a common vaginal problem resulting from the imbalance that occurs as a result of more harmful bacteria's than the helpful one's in the vagina. When left untreated, complications related to fertility, pregnancy and other health related conditions could surface. The more serious fact is that, the symptoms experienced can mimic a more serious health issue that requires urgent medical attention.

References.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/vaginal-flora-3132918

https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184622#summary

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-bacterial-vaginosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2648628/

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/254342-overview#a1

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis

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Hi, I am Tobi a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people. Want to hear me speak on relationships and general life issues, you can find my podcast channel Here and I also have a youtube channel where you can listen and watch any episode for free, do not forget to subscribe and share with friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from members of the community and do well to keep them coming.