Unfortunate for us ladies vaginal infections is a common issue that tends to reappear. These primarily impact the vagina and vulva, but also the urinary tract. They can occur at various ages and are usually caused by bacteria. There are many reasons for intimate infections, so it is best to know them and make efforts to reduce the risk. It is also useful to know precisely which signs and symptoms denote an infection, so that you can detect one as early as possible and receive treatment. The good news is that infections like bacterial vaginosis are 100% curable. Learn everything about the most critical details and also efficiently prevent intimate bacterial infections.
Bacterial vaginosis is the name for an infection of the woman's reproductive organs. The imbalance of bacterial flora of the vagina cause this infection. The vaginal microbiome has specific conditions. Typically, one species of bacteria will dominate in a healthy person. Once microorganisms multiply and other anaerobic bacteria emerge, a disease can develop. Dysbiosis creates irritating symptoms but can also predispose you to other infections, like STDs and urinary tract infections. This is why such infections must be treated diligently and not interrupted, as there is a high likelihood of recurrence.
Changes in the vaginal bacterial flora can cause inflammation in the vagina. Why? Normally, the vagina is home to a benign group of bacteria called Lactobacillus, which are responsible for keeping the normal pH level. Keeping this pH level in range helps the vagina stay healthy and fights the growth of other types of bacteria. On the other side, if we have fewer of those good types of bacteria, the pH can alter, favoring the development of different microorganisms, and when we have more of these, they unfortunately become pathogenic.
Species of bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis among other start to proliferate in the vagina. This results in an ordinary vaginal infection which hinders women worldwide. Moreover, the majority of patients with BV are of reproductive age. That means that the infection is rare among children because it affects many in the 15 to 44 age group. There are many causes of this imbalance in the vagina, and it can be hard to pinpoint the exact thing that disrupts this balance. Nonetheless, a few factors that could interfere with the natural flora are worth noticing. Find out about what causes bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginal infections do not fall under the category of a sexually transmitted disease, for they are not majorly, important cause for the occurrence of the infection. But the sexual practices may disturb the vaginal bacterial flora and lead to infection. Given that microorganisms transmitted during sexual activity via mechanical friction or interaction with semen (which has a different pH compared to the female vagina) could also affect the composition of the female vaginal microbiota, bacterial vaginosis is extensively connected to sexual activity. Research indicates that the infection is rare among women who are virgin or not sexually active.
But the incidence also depends on the number of sexual partners a woman has. A larger number of sexual partners in a woman are associated with more diverse vaginal bacterial flora as compared to one regular partner. Why? Because they are known for transmitting a microbiome that is different from one person to another. The skin of the penis, as well as semen and the urethra, naturally have anaerobic bacteria. Still, other men can have different types of bacteria that dominate in and around their penis. In men, such microorganisms do not cause infection, but it does in women.
So, a contraceptive condom also protects against the ensuing BV. Even more intriguingly, this deep-seated infection exists at higher rates among women whose sexual activities include women. This is thought to be related to risk behaviors in terms of exchange of vaginal fluids and consequent modifying the bacterial flora.
One of the risk factors that leads to bacterial vaginosis is dirty genitalia. Research found that if a woman does not carefully wash this area (especially vaginal opening), she is more susceptible to infections. However, in this case, it is also important not to overdo it. An excessive hygiene, like washing the inside of the vagina, is not recommended as it can lead to bacterial flora imbalances. This is why professionals do not suggest to douche the vagina.
Moreover, women who go without changing their underwear regularly suffer more from BV. Not focusing on cleanliness during periods like not changing pads or tampons on time can also lead to bacterial vaginosis. During or after the sexual act, genital hygiene should also be practiced. Researchers have shown that oral and vaginal sex can lead bacterial infections risk. The transfer of pathogens from the oral cavity onto the vaginal areas can be a factor. If the hygiene rules are certainly not respected, anal intercourse may also enhance the risk.
Can you believe that smoking cigarettes, too, can be a cause of bacterial vaginosis?! How is this related? Well, cigarette smoking has an extremely detrimental effect on the immune system. When the immune system is not functioning correctly, the risk of any infection, including BV, is heightened. Additionally, chemical substances existing in cigarettes, such as nicotine, can disturb the vaginal microflora composition. We know from the scientific literature that women who smoke have a higher prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. Smoking may also work against vaginosis treatment and slow recovery. This means that women suffering from recurrent infections should give up smoking.
An IUD is one of the best ways to prevent pregnancy. Nevertheless, its usage may alter the vaginal microbiome and encourage bacterial vaginosis. Research indicates that IUD placement can set up an environment in the vagina that increases the pH and therefore favors anaerobic bacteria to grow. IUDs can also lead to localized inflammation, which reduces the number of healthy bacteria.
In addition, there is a hypothesis that a foreign body presence in the vagina may encourage an environment for bacterial biofilms and chronic infection formation that are resistant to treatment. But, it is worth to mention here that not all women who used this form of contraception will suffer from bacterial vaginosis, but they are at an increased risk when compared to women who do not use IUDs.
Antibiotic medications are substances that have been developed to eradicate some pathogens. Nevertheless, antimicrobial treatment kills not only pathogen entities but also beneficial microorganisms, which are members of the female physiological bacterial flora. So, after antibiotic treatment, especially long-term treatment, the balance is disturbed, and bad microorganisms and anaerobic bacteria potentially involved in BV grow.
Bacterial vaginosis can also be cause by mental states such as chronic stress. Medical research indicates that chronic stress raises the concentration of cortisol, which reduces the body's immunity. So, a woman's body is not as well-protected against proliferation and pathological invasions of infection-causing anaerobic bacteria. Stress might also affect personal hygiene behaviours, which again, albeit indirectly, changes the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Though many women may be asymptomatic, bacterial vaginosis typically can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms. The symptoms come on quickly, last a few days to around 6 weeks. However, in many women, symptoms can resolve spontaneously. Bear in mind that vaginosis without treatment can raise the risk of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and problems in pregnancy. Study the common signs of bacterial vaginosis.
Vaginal discharge in females is a normal secretion from the vagina which serves an important purpose in preserving female hygiene and health. It has no color (transparent) or is white without infection. Also, it has a weak smell and is non-irritating. But women can see variations to their vaginal discharge whilst infected—initially, an increase in the amount of leakage, which patches on underwear can manifest. Changes in the colour of the discharge can also indicate health problems. You need to visit your gynaecologist in case any alarming symptoms related to vaginal discharge surrounding with.
Patients have also complained of a foul smell in the intimal area while suffering from bacterial vaginosis. This particular smell has been characterised as fishy. Anaerobic bacteria cause this change in smell. A fishy smell, though, isn't a symptom of the infection; it can also happen due to normal hormonal changes in women or as a result of your menstrual cycle. It is therefore necessary to identify other key symptoms.
The vaginal itch is also a very unpleasant symptom. This feeling, which makes it difficult to function in day-to-day life, is primarily due to excess growth of harmful bacteria irritating the vaginal mucosa. When some pathogens also produce inflammation and alter the pH of the vagina, the discomfort and itching are amplified. Also, certain substances secreted by bacteria can cause irritation of the vaginal tissue.
It has also been found that women with bacterial vaginosis may have different types of pain. Irritation can present, which may be seen as a redness on a gynaecological examination. Itching often occurs in conjunction with burning irritation, but there are cases when girls have only annoying pain without an itching sensation. Furthermore, the pain may be primarily during intercourse, making it impossible to have sexual intercourse with your partner. Women also complain of pain while urinating. It is sometimes mistaken for cystitis or urethritis.
A doctor can determine the condition and adjust treatment based on symptoms. However, testing may also be helpful because the signs of bacterial vaginosis can be identical to vaginal candidiasis or maybe other, more dangerous conditions. In the case of recurrent infections, getting medical testing is also critical. At that point, it might be necessary to determine what the main pathogen in the bacterial flora is. Find out how they diagnose BV.
To check for bacterial vaginosis, a doctor collects a sample of vaginal discharge from the patient and analyses it microscopically. A simple lab test to exclude the common pathogens, such as yeast or trichomonads. Additionally, multiple pathogens can co-exist, which this comprehensive test will detect. Another helpful method in diagnosis is, in fact, checking the pH value of the vaginal fluid.
When your doctor believes you have gonorrhoea or chlamydia, this test is performed. The cervix is a common site for such infections so that they will take a swab of it. The sample goes to a laboratory to test for pathogens. It may also be useful to check for cervical fragility.
Bacterial vaginosis treatment consists of a substance that destroys bad bacteria. Also, you need to restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut flora. The length of treatment varies from case to case, but is typically 6-10 days. In addition, some such infections go away on their own without treatment.
Doctors treat abnormal symptoms from BV with oral or vaginal pills. There are effective antibiotics that are even safe for pregnant women. Infections sometimes come back even after treatment, and a new drug that the bacteria are not resistant to can be chosen instead. Another important thing is to never stop a prescribed treatment on your own without a doctor's supervision.
And to reduce the danger of recurrent, it is not sufficient simply to remove the pathogen but increase the volume of probiotic within the vagina. These lactobacillus bacteria create a layer of protection against the assault of pathogenic microorganisms. So, it pays to use gynaecological probiotics with certain strains of beneficial bacteria. They can be ingested or delivered vaginally. You should also opt for prevention through lifestyle changes.
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