Bacterial Vaginosis

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What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)? What happens if I don’t get treatment? The vagina normally contains a lot of “good” • BV can cause premature labor and delivery in bacteria called lactobacilli. A lower amount of the women who are pregnant “good” bacteria and more of other kinds of bacteria • The infection may be ﬂ ushed up in the uterus or in the vagina cause this infection. The reasons for the fallopian tubes after douching and can cause the reduction in “good” bacteria and overgrowth of more serious infections other bacteria are not clear. How is it treated? How do I know I have it? • BV is easy to treat with oral antibiotics or vaginal Many women do not have symptoms and do not cream. Follow all instructions given. know they have it. The common symptoms are: • BV is not thought to be sexually transmitted. It is • An unpleasant, “ﬁ shy smelling,” thin discharge, suggested that you do not have intercourse during especially after sex or menstruation treatment. It is not necessary to treat the male • Vaginal irritation, mild itching sexual partner of a woman with BV. There is no • Occasional bleeding after sex proof that a woman’s symptoms or risk of relapse • Thin milky, watery discharge improve if her sex partner(s) is treated.

How did I get it? How can I help prevent future bacterial The cause is still a mystery. You cannot catch this vaginosis infections? infection from someone else. It may be due to: Between 30 and 50 percent of women will have • Douching or use of scented tampons/pads recurrent infection within one year. This is likely the • Multiple sexual partners result of failure to get rid of the offending bacteria • Pregnancy or failure to get back to the normal levels of the • The use of antibiotics “good” bacteria. • A lowered resistance (from stress, fatigue, • Avoid douching – it kills the healthy bacteria illness or improper eating) • Limit the number of sexual partners or use condoms How is it diagnosed? • Always use good hygiene by wiping from front to A health care provider takes a medical history, back after using the bathroom does a physical exam, and tests a sample of your • Avoid tight clothing (such are tight jeans, discharge under a microscope. This sample is taken pantyhose or underwear) from your vagina with a swab during a routine • Wear cotton crotched underwear pelvic exam. It is important to see the provider • Avoid sexual lubricants, feminine hygiene sprays, when symptoms are present and before treatment. scented soaps, or bath powders and gels • Avoid wearing tampons for extended periods

Call your doctor if: • Your symptoms get worse during treatment • Your symptoms don’t resolve after the entire treatment

The information presented is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care provider. Contact your health care provider if you believe you have a health problem.