Women’s Health | IVANA MD | Missouri City, TX
If you have ever noticed an unusual odor, discharge, or discomfort “down there,” bacterial vaginosis might be the cause. It is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age, yet it remains widely misunderstood and frequently left untreated.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis, commonly known as BV, is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that disrupts the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome. Normally, healthy bacteria called Lactobacillus dominate the vaginal environment and keep it slightly acidic to protect against infection. When that balance is disturbed, harmful bacteria multiply and BV develops.
What Are the Symptoms?
Many women with BV have no symptoms at all, which is part of what makes it so easy to overlook. When symptoms do appear, the most common signs include:
- Thin gray or white vaginal discharge
- A strong fishy odor especially after sex
- Mild itching or burning around the vagina
- A slight burning sensation when urinating
What Causes BV?
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, though sexual activity can increase the risk. Other common triggers include:
- Douching or using scented soaps inside the vagina
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BV affects nearly 21.2 million women between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States each year.
What Does Science Say?
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that disruption of Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal flora significantly increases susceptibility to BV and related complications. Research from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology also links untreated BV to a higher risk of:
- Preterm birth
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections including HIV
Early detection and treatment are critical.
How Is BV Treated?
BV is treatable with antibiotics, most commonly metronidazole or clindamycin, prescribed as oral pills or vaginal gels. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms disappear early. Some women experience recurrent BV, which may require a longer treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments such as:
- Avoiding douching
- Using unscented vaginal products
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see a women’s health provider if:
- You notice unusual vaginal discharge or odor
- Your symptoms keep coming back
- You are pregnant and experiencing symptoms
- You have a new sexual partner and are concerned about your vaginal health
BV is easily diagnosed through a simple pelvic exam and vaginal pH test. You do not have to just live with the discomfort.
Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX.
Call: 346-585-4077
4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Bacterial vaginosis – CDC basic fact sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/bacterial-vaginosis/about/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Bacterial vaginosis (BV) test: How it’s done & results. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22123-bacterial-vaginosis-test
Leitich, H., Bodner-Adler, B., Brunbauer, M., Kaider, A., Egarter, C., & Husslein, P. (2003). Bacterial vaginosis as a risk factor for preterm delivery: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 189(5), 1397–1402.. Bacterial vaginosis as a risk factor for preterm delivery: A meta-analysis.
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Bacterial vaginosis: Diagnosis & treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352285Muzny, C. A., Taylor, C. M., Swords, W. E., Tamhane, A., Chattopadhyay, D., Cerca, N., & Schwebke, J. R. (2019). An updated conceptual model on the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 220(9), 1399–140 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6761952/
