Bacterial Vaginosis

Story at-a-glance

• Originally, bacterial vaginosis was called Gardnerella vaginitis because it was thought that the Gardnerella strain was solely responsible for causing this condition
• Visit your doctor right away once you develop vaginal discharge because a different microorganism other than bacteria may have caused it

The vagina is a sensitive organ that is susceptible to numerous infections, with most women likely to get at least one infection during their lifetime.1 One of these types is vaginitis, a group of diseases that produces vaginal discharge, itching and pain in the vaginal region.2

Bacterial Vaginosis Is a Common Form of Vaginitis

Originally, bacterial vaginosis was called Gardnerella vaginitis because it was thought that the Gardnerella strain was solely responsible for causing this condition. However, more strains have been discovered such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium and Peptostreptococcus.3

It may be hard to believe, but the female vagina can contain all these different bacteria, where they live in a delicate balance. But if this balance is disrupted, the vagina will produce a watery discharge with a foul odor. A burning feeling during urination may be present as well.4 Sexual activity is mainly linked to the development of bacterial vaginosis. It is more common among women who are sexually active and have multiple sex partners from both genders.5

However, bacterial vaginosis is not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease because women who are not sexually active have a chance of developing it as well.6 Poor nutrition may also cause bacterial vaginosis. If your diet lacks vitamin C and beta-carotene, pathogenic bacteria can cause an infection in your vagina. To help mitigate this problem, you should increase your intake of nutritious fruits and vegetables.7

How Bacterial Vaginosis Is Diagnosed

There are two tests that can help provide accurate results right away:

• Vaginal pH test: The doctor will take a sample of your discharge and analyze the pH level. If it is higher than 4.5, you most likely have bacterial vaginosis.8
• Cotton swab sample: Your vaginal discharge will be analyzed to check if bacterial infection is actually responsible for the symptoms, because a yeast infection can have similar symptoms to bacterial vaginosis.

This Guide Will Help Educate You About Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial disease may go away on its own without treatment, but that doesn't mean you should do nothing if you get it. Leaving bacterial vaginosis untreated can lead to complications that you should watch out for, such pelvic inflammatory disease. If you're pregnant, untreated bacterial vaginosis can cause premature birth and low birth weight for the infant. In extreme cases, it may even lead to a miscarriage.9

This guide will help you learn all about bacterial vaginosis, including steps on how to safely treat it with home remedies and how to prevent it from occurring in the first place. But note that you should not use this guide as your sole reference to treat the condition on your own. Visit your doctor right away once you develop vaginal discharge because a different microorganism other than bacteria may have caused it.