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Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms: Everything You Need To Know About Bacterial Vaginosis
At some point in their lives, most women and people with vaginas will have encountered some kind of vaginal discomfort (be it itching or atypical discharge), but not everyone is clued up about what could be the cause.
Although plenty of us know about vaginal issues like thrush and cystitis, the same can't be said for bacterial vaginosis – also known as BV – and many of us only learn about the condition after we've Googled the symptoms we've experienced.
So, what actually is bacterial vaginosis? What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? What causes bacterial vaginosis? And what treatment is available for it? To find out, we consulted with Anna Druet, a researcher at period-tracking app Clue – meaning you can consider yourself an expert (ish) when you've finished reading...
What is bacterial vaginosis?Bacterial vaginosis (or BV) happens when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted, being replaced by more bacteria that doesn't need oxygen to grow. The most common type of BV-causing bacteria is called Gardnerella (not to be confused with the STI gonorrhea, just in case you were panicking), which creates different byproducts and causes environmental changes in your vagina, leading to the unpleasant symptoms listed below.
Because of the changes, an immune response is also triggered in the vagina which can make the vagina's naturally protective mucus less effective, making the reproductive tract more prone to contracting STIs. Not a vibe.
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What are the bacterial vaginosis symptoms?According to the NHS, symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
Notably, half of women and people with vaginas who have bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
What are the causes of bacterial vaginosis?The exact causes of bacterial vaginosis are still unclear, but it's thought the natural vaginal environment can be disrupted by both internal factors (eg. Antibiotics, diet) and external factors (eg. Soap, semen).
Some people are also more prone to getting recurrent BV in certain situations, although it's not fully understood why that is. Some factors which are thought to increase risk, however, include douching and prolonged or irregular uterine bleeding.
People who have prolonged bleeding as a side effect of a new IUD, for example, may be more likely to have BV, but more research into this is needed. For the same reason, recurrent BV may tend to pop up around the time of of your period.
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Sexual activity is also associated with a higher risk of BV, with one study finding that around 85% of people who get BV are sexually active – even though it's not deemed an STI. Specific risk factors may include new or multiple sex partners, a lack of condom use, vaginal intercourse and receiving anal sex before vaginal intercourse without a new protective barrier.
Another study into bacterial vaginosis also revealed a link between oral sex and the infection. The research, published in the journal PLoS Biology, suggests that oral sex may create the right 'environment' for BV to occur.
In particular, one common type of mouth bacteria – fusobacterium nucleatum, that's linked with plaque and gum disease – was found to aid the growth of other bacteria involved in the onset of BV, leading experts to suggest oral sex could be a potential trigger. Because how else is mouth bacteria getting inside the vagina?!
How common is bacterial vaginosis?BV is the most common vaginal complaint among women and people with a vagina of childbearing age, but it can occur at any age.
How can you treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis?Vaginal bacteria can sometimes get out of balance and then improve on its own. To prevent BV, start by limiting your risk factors. Use condoms, don't douche and keep soap away from your vulva and vagina (some experts say non-foaming unscented soap is okay on the vulva, and others say stick to water). Don't use any products with scents or perfumes in that area, and limit your bubble baths.
Treatment of BV can range from antibiotics and antiseptics, to medications that restore acidity as well as probiotics. Some treatments are available over the counter, but others will need a prescription, so it's best to talk to your doctor if you notice bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Bacterial Meningitis: Causes And How It's Spread
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the membranes around your brain and spinal cord caused by a type of bacteria. It's a serious condition that you can catch from other people. It's treated with antibiotics.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that outline your brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges, giving the illness its name: "meningitis." Meningitis can be bacterial or viral, though there are also fungal forms of the disease. Viral meningitis is the most common form. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form. Without treatment, bacterial meningitis can cause paralysis, stroke, seizures, sepsis, and even death.
Read more: Meningitis »
The hallmark symptoms of bacterial meningitis are:
If you develop the disease, you may also experience:
Parents of babies and toddlers under the age of 2 should closely monitor any lingering irritability or lack of interest in eating, as these can also be symptoms of meningitis.
Symptoms can begin quickly, sometimes in just a couple of hours, or they can progress over a day or two. Seek immediate medical attention if you show symptoms of bacterial meningitis. Your doctor will treat the condition as soon as possible, most likely with antibiotics.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by several different types of bacteria, including:
Bacteria that cause meningitis can live in your body and the environment around you. In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection.
Most bacteria that cause this form of infection are spread through close personal contact, such as:
An infected person's throat secretions, like phlegm and saliva, contain bacteria. When that person coughs or sneezes the bacteria travel through the air. But most of the germs that can lead to bacterial meningitis aren't contagious. In fact, the bacteria that cause meningitis are less contagious than viruses that cause the cold or flu.
Not all bacteria that cause meningitis are spread from one person to another. You can also develop bacterial meningitis after eating certain foods containing the Listeria bacterium, such as:
Problems due to Listeria are more common in:
Meningitis-causing bacteria are more likely to attack the membranes of your brain after a trauma such as:
These conditions lower your immunity and disrupt your body's natural barriers, leaving your body open to infection of any kind, including bacterial meningitis.
Additionally, babies and people with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial meningitis. It's important to note that the cause of infection can be hard to pinpoint.
Some types of bacterial meningitis can be prevented through immunizations. There are vaccines that protect against pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib, all of which cause meningitis. Vaccinations are key to the prevention of meningitis. See your doctor to make sure your vaccinations, and those of your children, are up-to-date.
Bacterial meningitis can lead to severe health complications, such as stroke and brain damage. It can even be fatal. Complications of the disease are often permanent. Other serious possible complications include:
If you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial meningitis, seek medical care immediately. The disease can usually be treated with antibiotics. If meningitis is caught early enough a patient can make a full recovery with few or no lingering effects. But the best way to combat meningitis is to prevent it through vaccination and sound health practices. Understanding the causes of meningitis and how it spreads will help you stay healthy and keep you from experiencing this dangerous disease.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis? Everything You Need To Know About Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, And Prevention
Women with symptoms of BV should be treated for the infection, not only to relieve symptoms but also to prevent complications.
Medication OptionsRecommended medication treatment options include:
Other medical treatments include:
Alternative and Complementary Therapies During treatment and for 24 hours after completion of treatment, alcohol should be avoided while taking metronidazole or tinidazole. Women should refrain from sexual activity or use condoms during treatment; but clindamycin cream, which is oil-based, may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms for five days after use.
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