Photo by Antonius Ferret
Let's talk about vaginal discharge. No, really. Let's get into the nitty gritty of what's coming out of your vagina on a daily basis. I know, it's not the most pleasant topic of conversation. But here's the thing: your vaginal discharge can tell you a lot about your health. So today, we're going to talk about one type of vaginal discharge in particular: bacterial vaginosis.
Chances are, if you're reading this, something ain't right in your lady business. Don't worry, you're not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 women will experience bacterial vaginosis (BV) at some point in their lives.
So what is BV? Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Although it's the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, it's often mistaken for a yeast infection or UTI because the symptoms can be similar.
Symptoms of BV include:
Fishy smelling vagina or discharge
Unusually high discharge, that may be foamy and greyish in color
Burning during urination
Itching around the outside of the vagina
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all! Crazy, right? But just because you can't see it or feel it, doesn't mean it's not there. In fact, half of women with BV don't even know they have it.
So what causes this funky fishy business?
Unfortunately, there is no one definitive answer to that question. However, we do know that when the natural balance in your vagina is disrupted, bacterial vaginosis frequently sets in.
Microbes are like people, there're good ones and there're bad ones. Your body is home to trillions of these microscopic organisms; most of them are good and help with things like digesting food and keeping your skin healthy. But sometimes, the bad bacteria take over, and that's when you get an infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prime example of this. It's caused by an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome—aka when the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
Douching: This interferes with your vagina's natural pH balance and encourages the growth of bad bacteria.
Using perfumed products: Soaps, vaginal deodorants, scented panty liners or tampons - as these can also disrupt your vaginal pH levels.
Having multiple sexual partners: This increases your risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you do have multiple sexual partners, use condoms every time to reduce your risk.
Diet change: Anything that affects the gastrointestinal tract or internal body system can affect the normal balance of bacteria. Refined sugar is especially
Nylon underwear/tight pants. Wearing synthetic underwear or tight pants can block air movement in the vaginal area, which can cause increased bacteria growth.
Using an IUD: Some research suggests that using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception may increase your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment Options for Bacterial Vaginosis
If you think you might have bacterial vaginosis, the best thing to do is make an appointment with your gynecologist. They will be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms and may do a pelvic exam to look for any lesions or sores as well as swabbing your vagina to test the pH level. Your doctor may also prescribe one of the following treatments:
Antibiotics: oral or vaginal antibiotics are usually prescribed for 7-10 days Metronidazole (Flagyl) Clindamycin (Cleocin) Tinidazole (Tindamax) Nitroimidazoles Erythromycin
Probiotics: These are "good" bacteria that help restore the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
Boric Acid Suppositories: You can find these over the counter at most pharmacies, or try these from Ruby's Remedies, but they should not be used during pregnancy. These suppositories are inserted into the vagina using an applicator, like a tampon. They should be used once a day for 7 days. Yes, they are a little messy (I suggest using a panty liner), but they are effective! You can learn more about Boric Acid and its uses here.
Natural Treatments: While there is little scientific evidence to support these methods, some women swear by them.
Douching with vinegar and water
Soaking a clean tampon in yogurt and then inserting it into the vagina for 2-4 hours
Eating yogurt daily
Garlic cloves
Tea tree oil
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
No matter which treatment option you choose, know that you are not alone! 1 in 3 women will experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lives so chances are good that someone close to you has dealt with this issue as well. Feel free to reach out to them for support or advice.
When should I see a doctor?
Bacterial vaginosis is usually easy to treat and clear up on your own within a few days or weeks. However, if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it's important to see a doctor right away as BV can increase your risk of miscarrying or preterm labor.
But even if you're not pregnant, it's always a good idea to see a doctor if you're experiencing any unusual vaginal symptoms like increased discharge, burning, itching, or pain during sex—especially if you've never experienced these symptoms before. It's also possible that you could have an infection other than BV, so it's best to get checked out by a professional just to be safe.
And remember to avoid anything that could disrupt the healthy bacterial balance in your vagina!
““Nurturing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential to your survival and your well-being.” - Renee Peterson Trudeau
Sources:
"Gardnerella Vaginalis" by Sarah Knapp, Biology Dictionary https://biologydictionary.net/gardnerella-vaginalis/
CDC Centerfor Disease Control: "Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)"
The Journal Of Nutrition: "Bacterial Vaginosis Is Associated with Variation in Dietary Indices"
Koumans EH, Sternberg M, Bruce C, McQuillan G, Kendrick J, Sutton M, Markowitz LE. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the United States, 2001-2004; associations with symptoms, sexual behaviors, and reproductive healthexternal icon.
Sex Transm Dis. 2007 Nov;34(11):864-9.
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