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Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina in which the balance of bacteria is disrupted and there is more harmful bacteria present than beneficial bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, and is also common in pregnant women.

While this infection is not necessarily transmitted through sexual contact, having multiple or a new sex partner can affect bacteria in the vagina and increase a patient's risk of BV, as can douching or not using a condom during intercourse.

Symptoms

Patients with BV often experience vaginal discharge with an unpleasant, fishy odor that is most noticeable after intercourse. Discharge may be white or gray. Some women also experience burning during urination or itching around the vaginal area, while others may not experience any symptoms at all from BV.

Many of these symptoms may be similar to those of another vaginal infection, so it is important to see your doctor in order to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing BV is done by taking a sample of fluid from the vagina and testing in a lab. Your doctor may also be able to detect signs of this infection during a physical exam. Regular testing can help ensure that BV or any other infections are detected in their earliest stages, especially in patients not experiencing any symptoms.

Complications

While BV is not generally a serious condition and can almost always be treated successfully, untreated cases may develop into more serious infections within the uterus or fallopian tubes. Some women may develop pelvic inflammatory disease as a result of BV, which can lead to infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Pregnant women with BV are at an increased risk of having a baby born prematurely or with a low birth weight.

BV also increases a patient's risk of developing HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes simplex virus, as well as passing these infections to her partner.

Treatment

While some cases of BV will clear up on their own with no need for treatment, all women with BV should be treated to ensure that the infection is fully cleared and to reduce the risk of complications. Treatment involves antibiotics such as metroidazole or clindamycin, and is especially recommended for pregnant women.

Treatment should be taken for the full length prescribed, even if symptoms go away before that. Unlike many other STDs, it is not necessary for male partners to be treated for BV.

Prevention

Although the specific causes of BV are not yet fully understood, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this infection. The most effective prevention against BV and other STDs is to abstain from sex, but patients can also maintain their health by limiting your number of sex partners and using a condom every time you have sex. Regular pelvic exams and testing can help detect this and other infections in their earliest stages to ensure the most effective treatment options.

At Urgent Care Torrance, we offer comprehensive treatment and prevention services for BV and other STDs. Our top priority is to restore our patients back to full health and allow them to continue leading active and healthy lives.

For your urgent care needs in Torrance and the South Bay, please call or visit us today!