BACTERIAL
VAGINOSIS
Whether
or not Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a sexually transmitted
disease is a hotly debated topic at infectious disease cocktail
parties. Suffice it to say that BV is the most common
vaginal infection affecting 1 out of every 5 women of reproductive
age. BV is believed to be caused by an overgrowth
of bacteria normally found in the vagina (Specifically Gardnerella
vaginalis, and others).
Common
Signs & Symptoms
BV may present with a variety of symptoms or none at all.
More than 50% of women with BV may be without symptoms.
Commonly, though, BV causes an unpleasant fishy or musty
vaginal odor, profuse vaginal discharge (usually thin gray
or white that sticks to the vagina walls), and vaginal itching
and irritation. BV has been associated with Pelvic
Inflammatory Disease (PID).
How's
it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made on examination. A pelvic exam is
done and a sample of the milky discharge is obtained (pictured
is the discharge on the vagina). Under the microscope,
the cells of the vagina have a classic appearance in Bacterial
Vaginosis ("Clue cells"). In addition, there is a
strong fishy odor when the sample is mixed with potassium
hydroxide (the "whiff test" is where the doctor smells the
vaginal discharge to see if that odor is present.)
Obtaining a sample
of the discharge
|
The whiff test
|
How's
it Treated?
Treatment is with an antibiotic (metronidazole or clindamycin)
taken orally or vaginally. As noted above, it is unclear
if BV is sexually transmitted. Some authorities feel
treatment of all sexual partners is crucial in preventing
reinfection, though scientific studies have not consistently
proven this.
How
do I avoid Getting It (Prevention)?
It is unclear if this infection is obtained by sexual relations.
Women who are sexually active have this disease much more
commonly than those abstaining from sexual relations.
Regular and correct
condom use may protect against this infection though
it has not been proven in studies.
Additional
Information
Get additional information on this and other diseases by
clicking here.
