4 Signs You Might Be Suffering from Bacterial Vaginosis
Posted on: 13 December 2022
Bacterial vaginosis is a relatively common type of vaginal inflammation that occurs when one type of bacteria that occurs naturally in your vagina develops too much. This will cause a bacterial imbalance that needs to be corrected, and treatment is usually a simple matter of applying a cream or taking antibiotic tablets.
Bacterial vaginosis is not an STI, but it can make women more vulnerable to several STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, herpes and gonorrhoea. Additionally, it's something women may pass on to a same-sex partner. It can also cause complications for pregnant women, so it's important to receive treatment as soon as possible.
This can be tough since many women will have no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, but you should still stay alert for any of the symptoms that have been known to develop. Here are just four.
1. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Probably the most common sign of bacterial vaginosis is an unusual discharge from the vagina. This often has a particular 'fishy' smell and tends to be heaviest either after a period or after sexual intercourse. You may also notice a change in the consistency and colour of vaginal discharge. If it becomes pale or grey and thin and watery, bacterial vaginosis might be the cause.
2. Unpleasant Odour
Sometimes the unpleasant odours associated with unusual vaginal discharge can be experienced even when no discharge is noticed. This can make them easier to ignore, but they will still often indicate that something is wrong. In most cases, those unpleasant aromas will be most noticeable during sexual intercourse. This isn't just unappealing for you and your partner – it should also be considered a reason to seek medical assistance.
3. Pain or Discomfort During Intercourse
Bacterial vaginosis does not normally create pain, but some women find themselves experiencing a dull aching pain around their pelvic area that becomes more pronounced during sexual intercourse. Such discomfort is also associated with other serious issues, including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, so it's worth having the problem checked even if bacterial vaginosis isn't the root cause.
4. Burning or Itching
Many types of vaginal infections will cause burning or itching, but this doesn't always occur when patients develop bacterial vaginosis. However, it is still something some women may notice. Burning, itching, or other types of irritation may be felt around the vaginal area. In some cases, you may also experience a burning sensation during urination.
Reach out to a women's health clinic for more information.
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