Bacterial Vaginitis
Nonspecific and gardnerella vaginitis are bacterial infections of the vagina. They can cause the following symptoms:
- an unpleasant vaginal odor
- Heavy vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor (stronger during your menstrual period or after sex)
- Vaginal irritation
- It can also cause and abnormal Pap smear.
Sometimes the healthy balance maintained by protective vaginal bacteria can be disrupted. Other bacteria multiply and take control. This imbalance often is corrected automatically by the body’s defense mechanism, and the symptoms disappear on their own. The bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis occur naturally in the vagina. The bacteria vaginosis is caused by overgrowth of several of these bacteria. It is not clear whether it can be passed through sex. Make sure when you go to the bathroom, you wipe from front to back only.
Treatment:
Two antibiotics are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. One drug is called Metronidazole and it can be taken by mouth or applied to the vagina as a gel. The other drug is called Clindamycin and it can also be taken by mouth or applied to the vagina as a cream.
When Metronidazole is taken by mouth, it can cause side effects in some patients that include nausea, vomiting and darkening urine. Do not drink alcohol when taking Metronidazole as this combination can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
During the treatment it is important for sexual partners to wear condoms to prevent reinfection. If these infections recur, it may be necessary for sexual partners to take oral antibiotics too. Your doctor may suggest that the couple not have sex during treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis often comes back. Some people are prone to Bacterial vaginosis. It may require long-term or repeated treatment. In most cases, treatment eventually works in time. Sometimes when bacteria vaginosis keeps coming back it may mean that you have another STD or you may be triggering it with feminine hygiene products. Read below for tips on what to do. Your doctor may test you for other infections.
Lowering The Risks:
- Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented, deodorant tampons. You should try not to cover up a bad odor. It could be a sign of infection that should prompt you to see your doctor. Do not douche. It is better to let the vagina cleanse itself.
- Thoroughly clean diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide applicators after each use.
- Use condoms during sex.
- Check with your doctor about preventing yeast infections if you are prescribed antibiotics for another type of infection.
