FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

By Pharm Sejoro Tonuewa

Bacterial vaginosis is a pretty common vaginal infection especially among women of child bearing age but can affect women of all ages. It commonly referred to as ‘toilet infection’ in this part of the world. Often a mild infection, it can also however, lead to some other complication for example, Pelvic Inflammatory disease.

Although the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is not known, it results from an imbalance in the vagina’s normal flora. Normally, the vagina flora exists in a balance such that, lactobacillus (a type of bacteria, ‘good bacteria’) is more than the other types (bad bacteria) such that the vagina is slightly acidic.

However, when the level of lactobacillus drops, the other bacteria overgrow resulting in symptoms signifying bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is not the same as yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection.

The exact reasons for this not known, however, risk factors include:
Being sexually active
Having multiple sex partners
Douching: this is the act of washing the vagina.
Recent antibiotic use or abuse
Cigarette smoking

Typical symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis include:
White, green or grey coloured vaginal discharge
Vaginal itching
Foul vaginal odour (often fish-like)
Burning sensation during urination

The following symptoms may indicate additional issues and urgent care may be required:
Fever
Pelvic pain

Complications of bacterial vaginosis include:
Premature/ pre term delivery or low weight baby
Higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases e.g. HIV, gonorrhoea, herpes and also higher chance of passing it to –ol120sexual partners
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries which may lead to infertility.
Infection risk after gynaecologic surgeries such as hysterectomy

Preventive measures that may be undertaken include:
Avoid douching. Wash the vagina with water or mild soap only.
Avoid antibiotics abuse. Use only when prescribed by a licenced health care professional and exactly as prescribed
Avoid use of scented sanitary pads, tampons or other materials that may irritate the vaginal.
Limit the number of sexual partners.
Use condoms appropriately during sexual intercourse.
Clean sex toys properly before use.
Wipe the vagina from front to the back and not from back to the front when cleaning.

Treatment
Bacterial vaginosis can be easily treated. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed. Vaginal creams or pessaries may also be prescribed.
Remember to use all antibiotics exactly as prescribed by a licenced health practitioner. And your community pharmacist is always ready to assist you.