Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can be caused by a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginalis or by other related bacteria and is a major cause of discharge, which may be grayish or yellowish in color, fluid, homogeneous, and even form microbubbles.

The disease can arise from bacteria already in the body, so some experts do not consider it a sexually transmitted disease. However, during sexual contact bacteria can be passed from one person to another. Considering this, condom use remains indispensable.

Some ways to avoid contracting this disease is to always protect yourself by using condoms during sex and sexual contact, not having vaginal showers without a doctor's recommendation, avoiding sex with many different partners and always having routine gynecological examinations.

Its main signs are the strong odor (like fish smell) that it causes, especially during periods such as menstruation and can also be noticed during sexual intercourse. Other symptoms include itching and burning when urinating. However, approximately half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not experience the symptoms.

In man, even if he has bacteria and the disease develops, symptoms usually do not appear.

The diagnosis of the disease should be made through Pap smears, clinical examinations and laboratory tests. It is also possible to have a chemical examination in the clinic itself to detect the presence of vaginosis.

To treat bacterial vaginosis it is necessary to follow the medical advice when administering antibiotics that can be applied on the spot or taken in tablet form. A partner who has had unprotected sex with you should also undergo full treatment.

It is important to treat vaginosis until the end even after the symptoms subside, because although it usually presents no risk, in some cases it may have the following implications:

• Premature or newborn birth weight below average;
• Bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis can infect the uterus and fallopian tubes. This inflammation is known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infertility or serious damage to the fallopian tubes which in turn can lead to tubal pregnancy and infertility. Tubal pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which an egg develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes.
• Bacterial vaginosis may increase the likelihood of STD / AIDS infection in cases of exposure to the virus.
• Bacterial vaginosis can increase a woman's chances of passing the AIDS virus to her partner.
• Bacterial vaginosis can increase a woman's likelihood of becoming infected with other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Taking care of your health never hurts, so keep an eye out and if you notice anything weird don't hesitate to consult a gynecologist.

References: STD / AIDS Program of the City of São Paulo.

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis (May 2024)