Bacterial vaginosis - this is one of the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive age. Infection occurs when there are disturbances in the microflora of the vagina, and in his environment are beginning to breed bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. They are present in a healthy vaginal environment, but their rate of reproduction is constrained due to a certain level of acidity and other bacteria that live in the vagina.

Causes of bacterial vaginosis

The exact mechanism of bacterial vaginosis is not yet determined. It can develop when something such as sexual contact, leads to disruption of microflora and acid-alkaline balance of the vagina. It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of this infection, but we know that it is most common among women who are regular sex life. However, bacterial vaginosis can develop not only as a result of sexual contact. There are other factors that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, and thus increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. These factors include:

• Sexual contact with a new sexual partner, or women having multiple partners;
• Douching;
• The use of intrauterine devices;
• Sex without a condom.

The causes of bacterial vaginosis can not be access to the pool and public restrooms, or the use of towels used by the other person.

Symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis often causes abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women complain of a strong "fishy" odor from the vagina, which often appears especially after intercourse. Vaginal discharge during bacterial vaginosis are often grayish and unusual liquid. Other symptoms of this disorder may be a burning sensation when urinating, irritation and itching around the vagina.

Some patients are asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis.

Diagnostics

If you suspect bacterial vaginosis is recommended to consult a doctor. However, it is best to have regular pelvic exam, and do an analysis of smear - then bacterial vaginosis (and other diseases) can be detected before it causes any symptoms.

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis

For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis gynecologist appoints antibiotics. Most often this disease used metronidazole Metronidazole: guard inflammation   and clindamycin. Partners of women with a history gardnerellezom, do not need to be treated. After treatment, bacterial vaginosis can occur again, so women must always be attentive to any changes occurring in the body.

• How safe is the treatment of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy?

All pregnant women, especially those who in past pregnancies were preterm labor or other complications in suspected bacterial vaginosis need to be examined and, if necessary, treatment. During pregnancy, it can be used the same antibiotics that are assigned to non-pregnant women, the sick gardnerellezom, although pregnant patients doctors often recommend taking lower doses of drugs.

Can vaginosis cause other health problems?

In most cases, bacterial vaginosis does not cause any serious problems. However, if left untreated, complications of bacterial vaginosis may be:

• Problems during pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to premature birth Premature birth - Recognize the signals of the body in time   or low birth weight.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease - a common name for disorders affecting the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Untreated bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease after surgery such as a hysterectomy or surgical abortion.
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If bacterial vaginosis is left untreated, it can increase the risk of contracting various sexually transmitted diseases, including - chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. In addition, HIV-infected women, sick gardnerellezom are more likely to infect their partners immunodeficiency virus than women who do not have bacterial vaginosis.

Is it possible to prevent the development of bacterial vaginosis?

The mechanism of bacterial vaginosis is not completely clear, so the views of various experts on ways of prevention may vary. The main recommendations for the prevention of this disease are formulated on the basis of factors that increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.

• Abstinence. STDs can lead to bacterial vaginosis, and the most effective way to prevent STDs - is abstinence, although, of course, this method is not for everyone.
• Faithfulness. Stable relations with one partner - the second most reliable way to prevent STDs, provided that loyalty is mutual.
• Condoms. If you have sex with a man in health and fidelity are not sure, always use a condom. Of all the means of contraception as they can not only protect you from unwanted pregnancy but also from sexually transmitted diseases.
• Do not douche. Douching from vaginal washes bacteria that normally protect the reproductive system infections. As a result, the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis increases significantly. In addition, women who do douching regularly, there is an increased likelihood of a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis after treatment.
• Check for bacterial vaginosis if you think you could get pregnant How to Get Pregnant: Recommendations to help .
• Take antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Drugs that have been designated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis should be taken for as long as recommended by your doctor, even if the symptoms go away before the end of treatment.

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