Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects approximately 30% of women aged 15-44. It is caused by a reduced amount of lactobacilli, which are responsible for maintaining an appropriate pH. At the same time, it is characterized by a sudden increase in the number of anaerobic bacteria as well as other potentially pathogenic bacteria in the vagina. In the article, we discuss what are the causes of vaginosis, how to care for intimate areas to avoid infection and what is the proper prevention.

The causes of bacterial vaginosis

The vagina is a natural habitat for the anaerobic bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae. The uncontrolled multiplication of anaerobic bacteria, combined with a reduced presence of Lactobacillus rods, causes inflammation in the vagina. Currently, we do not know all the causes of BV development, but it is believed that multiple sexual partners, the use of IUDs, and frequent vaginal irrigations may lead to an increased risk of its occurrence.

What should be a signal to women that something is wrong?

Symptoms indicative of bacterial vaginosis are primarily thick, grey or white vaginal discharge with a characteristic “fishy” smell. Additionally, there is itching and a burning sensation when urinating. However, relatively many women have this disease asymptomatically. Therefore, prevention and regular examinations are crucial.

Prevention: cytology is the key

It is worth repeating – you should remember about regular, annual cytology. When the smear shows signs of inflammation – scanty or, on the contrary, numerous bacterial cells, it is recommended to perform a BV assessment. A similar recommendation is advised for patients who often experience discomfort in their intimate parts, recurrent intimate infections, or whose vaginal discharge has changed its texture, colour or smell. It is also a good idea to do this test on women who do not have obvious symptoms, or if you are planning to become pregnant.

How to treat bacterial vaginosis?

Topical medications and antibiotics such as clindamycin or metronidazole are the most commonly used treatments for BV. However, therapy depends on the number of bacteria present in the vagina. In addition, preparations containing Lactobacillus should be used to rebuild the correct microbiota and restore the appropriate vaginal pH, which should be in the range of 3.6-4.5.

It is worth remembering that in pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis may contribute to premature labour and the birth of a child with low body weight, miscarriage or inflammation of the endometrium after delivery. And untreated bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as well as gonorrhoea, herpes and chlamydia.

Real-Time PCR diagnostics

Diagnostics of bacterial vaginosis using the Real-Time PCR method is a comprehensive examination of the vaginal microbiota. It is characterized by high sensitivity and is devoid of subjective interpretation of the pap smear test.

The genXone offer includes a test that allows the detection and identification of bacteria: Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Lactobacillus spp., Megasphaera type 1, Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria 2 (BVAB2), Mobiluncus spp. and Bacteroides fragilis.

We also invite you to get to know the entire offer of tests diagnosing urogenital infections, which is available HERE.