Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this inflammatory condition affects nearly 30% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. In black women, the rate is estimated to be more than 50%.
According to the Mayo Clinic (USA), BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria, which upsets the natural pH balance of the vagina.
Many women have recurrent vaginal infections. (Illustration)
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to an overgrowth of a common bacteria called gardnerella vaginalis. Certain risk factors, such as douching, can disrupt the balance of the vaginal environment, leading to a decrease in good bacteria, an increase in bad bacteria, and an overgrowth of gardnerella. vaginalis.
It can happen to any woman, even if you are not sexually active. In addition, a woman is at higher risk of BV if she is pregnant or has multiple sex partners, does not use condoms, or frequently uses douches.
Studies show that there is no way to completely avoid bacterial vaginosis. The disease is very easy to relapse. However, you can reduce your risk of catching the disease by not douching, limiting unprotected sex, wearing cotton underwear instead of nylon …
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Dr. Jennifer Wider (USA) told the newspaper Yahoo Life: “Sometimes it doesn’t show any symptoms. If it does, the most common symptoms include a cloudy, gray, or green vaginal discharge. In some cases, you’ll notice a fishy-smelling discharge. , especially when menstruating or after sex. A less common symptom is itching or soreness.”
Vaginitis causes many problems and discomforts for women. (Illustration)
Dr. Kecia Gaither – director of gynecological services in the US – says that some people think bacterial vaginosis is a sexually transmitted infection and are afraid to talk about it, fearing the stigma. town. However, the truth is not as it appears to be. Bacterial vaginosis can only increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea… BV infection while pregnant also increases your risk of preterm delivery, which means is before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
BV is sometimes confused with many other gynecological diseases such as trichomoniasis or yeast infections, chlamydia and gonorrhea… However, unlike those diseases, when you have BV, you will need prescription antibiotics. to cure the disease completely.
How do you treat bacterial vaginosis?
Usually, whether or not you have BV is determined by taking a sample of your vaginal discharge. Once diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe the patient a seven-day course of antibiotics, mainly metronidazole, clindamycin, and tinidazole.
Some people still have recurrent bacterial vaginosis after treatment. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, not taking the full course of antibiotics can cause this condition. In addition, a small percentage of patients need a second dose of treatment, rather than just 7 days of antibiotics. One study also showed that BV has a high recurrence rate. Approximately more than 50% of patients with BV will relapse within six months of initial treatment. Therefore, you need to closely connect with an obstetrician and gynecologist for the most effective advice and medication.
at Blogtuan.info – Source: Eva.vn – Read the original article here
