GotoMyDoc - Education - STDs - Learn

What It's About | Did You Know? | Learn More About | For More Info

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among women of childbearing age. BV (previously called nonspecific vaginitis) can be transmitted through sexual activity although the organisms responsible also have been found in young women who are not sexually active. BV results from a change in the balance among different types of bacteria in the vagina. Instead of the normal predominance of Lactobacillus bacteria, increased numbers of organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides, mobilincus, and Mycoplasma hominis are found in the vagina in women with BV. The role of sexual activity in the development of BV is not understood. Additionally, intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase the risk of acquiring bacterial vaginosis.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, which is especially noticeable after intercourse. However, nearly half the women with clinical signs of BV report no symptoms. A physician observes these signs during a physical examination and from various tests of vaginal fluid.

Treatment of sexual partners

All women with BV should be informed of their diagnosis, including the possibility of sexual transmission, and offered treatment. BV can be treated with antibiotics. Generally, male sex partners are not treated. However, in cases of BV that do not respond to drug therapy, treatment of male partners may be helpful. Many women with symptoms of BV do not seek medical treatment, and many asymptomatic women decline treatment. Until the long-term consequences of untreated BV are known, routine treatment of all asymptomatic carriers is not necessary.

Complications

Researchers are investigating the role of bacterial vaginosis in pelvic infections that result in infertility and tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting an increase in adverse outcomes of pregnancy such as premature and low-birth-weight infants among women with BV.