Bacterial vaginosis

Description of the Disease

This is Haemophilus Gartnerella, Corynebacterium, and other bacteria or nonspecific vaginal inflammation. This is the most common vaginal infection (40-50% of all vaginal inflammations). It does not spread through sexual transmission and can affect even those who have not had sexual intercourse.

In healthy women, lactobacilli dominate the vaginal microbiota. In those with bacterial vaginosis, unfavorable bacteria replace lactobacilli, reducing their numbers due to changes in vaginal pH becoming more alkaline. This leads to characteristic symptoms. Antibiotics, immune-suppressing drugs, contraceptive use, vaginal douching with antiseptic solutions, tampons and pads, synthetic underwear, and sexual partners can alter the vaginal environment.

Symptoms

The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis is various amounts of white, sometimes grayish-white, liquid discharge from the vagina, often with an unpleasant odor (resembling fish). The odor intensifies during menstruation and after sexual intercourse. It can also manifest as vaginal itching, pain during urination. A general feeling of discomfort occurs, while some may not feel anything at all. Doctors usually detect it incidentally during a routine check-up.

Diagnosis

A swab is taken from the vagina and examined for pH, bacteria, specific cells for bacterial vaginosis, a test with KOH solution is performed (in case of the disease, it is positive if a fishy odor is detected after applying the KOH solution to the sample).

Treatment

Medications prescribed include Fasigyn tablets, Macmiror suppositories, Dalacin cream. Also, antibiotics such as Clindamycin and Metronidazole. It is recommended to use cotton underwear, avoid tampons, pads, and to shower after intercourse.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology