{"id":8867,"date":"2019-08-15T08:07:13","date_gmt":"2019-08-15T08:07:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=8867"},"modified":"2021-06-18T17:43:06","modified_gmt":"2021-06-18T17:43:06","slug":"15-known-signs-of-bacterial-vaginosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-known-signs-of-bacterial-vaginosis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Known Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection that affects thousands of women worldwide every year; it\u2019s so common that it\u2019s estimated most women will experience a bout of bacterial vaginosis at least once to a few times during their lives. The condition cannot be spread sexually, and instead happens when the natural bacteria located inside the vagina die off \u2013 which can be triggered by everything from new sexual partners that affect the body\u2019s pH through to using washing powder that your body just doesn\u2019t like. 
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If you suffer from bacterial vaginosis, you\u2019ll be glad to know that the condition is easy to treat with a simple course of antibiotics \u2013 although if it recurs, it becomes important to seek out the underlying cause of the condition. 
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How do you know if you experience bacterial vaginosis? Here are 8 known signs of bacterial vaginosis (or BV) that can help you to spot the symptoms and tell you when it\u2019s time to see your doctor.
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1. Asymptomatic Cases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some cases of bacterial vaginosis<\/a> that occur with very little to no symptoms, and this can mean that it takes most women in these cases a long time to spot the problem \u2013 sometimes it can even recur for years before it becomes noticeable. The condition itself isn\u2019t harmful, but once symptoms start to show, it can be highly uncomfortable to deal with every day, and the best course of action if you suspect you might have bacterial vaginosis \u2013 whether you\u2019re showing the obvious symptoms of BV or not \u2013 will be to see your doctor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to establish if you have BV with just a few simple and noninvasive tests, and the condition can be treated with a course of common antibiotics prescribed by a doctor and picked up at a drug store; it\u2019s not that hard of a condition to treat, and there\u2019s no reason why any woman should have to feel ashamed or embarrassed about the condition. 
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2. Vaginal Itching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A nagging itch can be one of the most annoying symptoms there are, and it can also happen to be one of the most worrying symptoms at the same time if it happens to apply to your sexual health in any way or form. Bacterial vaginosis isn\u2019t sexually transmitted, but it shares a lot of the same symptoms of conditions that are \u2013 and vaginal itching happens to be one of the common symptoms associated with a range of different health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the reason for vaginal itching<\/a> can be slight and require only a few small adaptations and a course of antibiotics to fix; luckily, bacterial vaginosis is such a case. There are other times where the cause might be more serious, but this is luckily considered rare \u2013 and most types of actual sexually transmitted diseases out there can also be treated with medical intervention and the use of the right antibiotics.\u00a0
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3. Lowered Immune System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial vaginosis isn\u2019t a condition generally associated with any serious or long-term health concerns when it\u2019s treated in time, but it can sometimes be a sign of (or other times lead to) a seriously compromised immune system<\/a>. If you notice any symptoms or signs of bacterial vaginosis that you feel you should be worried about together with getting sick more often \u2013 or even if you only notice that you\u2019re getting ill more often than you normally would \u2013 your first step should always be an appointment with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lowered immune system can be caused by BV or the other way around \u2013 and a lowered immune system that means you\u2019re getting sick more often can easily signal a range of underlying health conditions that you will only spot during a doctor\u2019s appointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular doctor\u2019s appointments can help to catch most medical issues before they happen: See your doctor even when you aren\u2019t experiencing symptoms of anything yet! 
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4. Redness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Itching isn\u2019t the only uncomfortable symptom that can be associated with bacterial vaginosis infections. Due to the fact that it\u2019s a routine bacterial infection, it can also cause other symptoms such as discomfort and redness <\/a>\u2013 and this can also sadly be true of a range of other medical conditions out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you supposed to know which of the medical conditions you really have when the symptoms of several can be so closely related? The best \u2013 and really only \u2013 way is to make an appointment with your doctor for the proper tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where it\u2019s bacterial vaginosis, it\u2019s easy to treat with some simple adaptations to your health and possibly a course of antibiotics \u2013 other times where it\u2019s not caused by BV, other types of antibiotics can also usually help. If it is BV and it keeps recurring for some reason, try to find the cause by eliminating several factors like fabric and washing powder. 
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5. Bladder Infections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bladder infections can sometimes be associated with bacterial vaginosis \u2013 they can occur together, but they can also sometimes occur separately, and they can have a lot of the same symptoms. If you experience repeated bladder infections (of which the most common symptom will be discomfort in the bladder and pain while urinating), see your doctor establish the cause \u2013 and take a closer look at your life, lifestyle <\/a>and diet to see which factors might be causing or aggravating the infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it\u2019s simple and dietary, other times it\u2019s more complicated and might involve other products such as your chosen washing powder. Eliminate products one-by-one until you\u2019re satisfied that you\u2019ve been able to find the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Vaginal Discharge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vaginal discharge<\/a> can be one of the most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, but it can also be a symptom of some sexually transmitted diseases \u2013 which can make it one of the most terrifying possible symptoms on this list to experience for most people. If you experience any kind of vaginal discharge, your first step should be an appointment with your doctor \u2013 and a note to yourself not to panic; in most cases, vaginal discharge only signals a minor infection instead of a major STD, and is usually easy enough to treat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where it\u2019s caused by bacterial vaginosis, the symptom will go away after treatment, normally with antibiotics \u2013 and even where it\u2019s not caused by BV, it\u2019s easy to treat with another type of antibiotic that suits the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no reason to have to consider this an embarrassing symptom: Instead, see your doctor to deal with it before a smaller health issue turns into a much bigger one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Odor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just in the same way as vaginal discharge, the odor is a symptom that can be associated with both bacterial vaginosis and a range of other conditions out there. In most cases where it isn\u2019t caused by a sexually transmitted infection, it\u2019s a simple case of VG \u2013 and no, it\u2019s generally not bad hygiene <\/a>that triggers the condition, but instead obsessive hygiene that manages to clean the healthy bacteria out of the vagina instead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can instead increase your risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis if you wash your vagina too much, or use harsh products like shower gel or douche that affects the healthy bacteria and subsequently the pH levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience any odor, with or without any discharge from the vagina, make an appointment with your doctor for tests and of course, don\u2019t feel self-conscious about the appointment! Doctors have seen everything there is to see, and they are rarely surprised by a run-of-the-mill infection that\u2019s easy to fix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Pain While Urinating<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pain while urinating is a symptom that not everyone suffering from BV will experience, and it\u2019s not always a symptom that definitely defines only BV. If you experience any pain or discomfort <\/a>during urination, it warrants an appointment with your doctor to find the cause \u2013 even where it\u2019s not something serious, it\u2019s always safer to establish what could be the cause of the symptom rather than speculate or home-treat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience any pain while urinating and you aren\u2019t sure what the cause could be, it\u2019s rather common for the body\u2019s pH to be behind this. Drinking fruit salts on a regular basis, taking the right supplements and changing your diet to suit your lifestyle better are just some ways in which you can naturally try to balance the pH of the body in the long-term \u2013 but if this happens to have no effect on your condition, you should see your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Other STIs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Almost two-thirds of the adult American population has had to deal with some form of sexually transmitted infection. The most common STIs in the United States, are chlamydia, gonorrhea<\/a>, HPV, and trich. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections that enter the body through the urethra. These bacteria then travel through the urinary tract and spread to other regions of the pelvis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BV is not a bacterial disease, nor is it transmitted sexually. BV is an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina. However, both chlamydia and gonorrhea upset the natural bacterial balance in the vagina, and they can cause the onset of BV in affected individuals. If left undiagnosed and untreated, this infection can result in the emergence of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can present a life-threatening situation in the affected individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat bacterial infection by chlamydia or gonorrhea with the use of antibiotics. These medications should clear the disease rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who do not receive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, run the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease. Similarly, patients that experience the onset of BV, and forgo treatment, are also at risk of developing the symptoms of PID. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pelvic inflammatory disease starts in the urethra and spreads to the urinary tract, as well as the uterus<\/a>. As the bacteria progress inside the pelvic region, it may spread to the uterus and the ovaries, resulting in sterility and inflammation of the entire pelvis. Patients who reach this stage of the disease put themselves in a life-threatening position.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PID requires immediate treatment by your doctor using antibiotic medications. However, most patients do not reach the life-threatening stage of the disease and recover without any significant damage to the tissues in the pelvis. While it’s uncommon for patients with BV to develop PID, it can happen. Therefore, you must visit your doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Infection After Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many post-menopausal women opt for hysterectomy surgery to remove the womb after menstruation stops. This procedure helps the affected individual manage post-menstrual life. Women who do not elect to get the surgery experience wild swings in hormone levels that leave them feeling depressed <\/a>and irritated. This demeanor may cause a permanent change in the person\u2019s personality, which is why hysterectomy is such a popular surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who experience an unwanted pregnancy may choose to terminate for whatever reason. Bothe hysterectomy and abortion may lead to the onset of bacterial or viral infection of the patient post-operation. While the procedures are relatively safe, the healing [process requires that the wounds remain clear of disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During post-operative care, the patient may find that they experience a bacterial infection that results in the onset of BV in the affected individual. Doctors treat these infections with the use of antibiotics to kill off the bacteria, and probiotics to increase the presence of good bacteria in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Vaginal Dryness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The vagina relies on a delicate bacterial balance for normal health. When a woman experiences a bacterial imbalance, it may interfere with how the vagina lubricates itself. As a result, affected individuals may find that they start to develop the onset of vaginal dryness. Most patients notice this dryness during intercourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vagina does not lubricate properly during penetration, resulting in a dry feeling for both partners during sex. The dryness occurs due to the presence of harmful bacteria, and the partners may also notice a foul smell or discharge emanating from the vagina. This situation can be embarrassing or both partners, and they may even think that they are experiencing a bacterial STI, such as chlamydia <\/a>or gonorrhea.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the dryness, smell, and discharge associated with the condition are not an indication of the presence of an STI. The patient will require the use of antibiotics and probiotics to return the vagina to normal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Bacterial Imbalance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As explained, the vagina relies on a delicate bacterial balance to remain healthy. Contrary to what you may believe or hear from doctors and websites, all bacteria <\/a>are not necessarily harmful to you. The digestive system also relies on a delicate bacterial balance for optimal functionality and efficiency with digesting your food. The same is true for the vagina.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When women experience an imbalance in this bacteria, and harmful bacteria start to take over, they notice the onset of BV. Cleaning the vagina in the bath may exacerbate the symptoms of the condition, as the woman is washing out both the good and bad bacteria, causing no difference in the situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient requires treatment with antibiotics to help restore the bacteria balance in the vagina, and prevent the symptoms of BV from getting worse. If you come down with a case of BV, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid the advancement of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Giving Birth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pregnancy may also cause the onset of bacterial vaginosis. Changes in hormone profiles and bacteria balance as a result of the pregnancy <\/a>may lead to the development of BV in some individuals. Unfortunately, BV may affect the baby, and in most cases, BV has links to mothers giving birth to underweight babies. The condition may also cause premature birth in some pregnancy cases as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnant women require regular checkups with their gynecologists to ensure that they don\u2019t experience any form of vaginal infection while pregnant. If the woman does develop BV, the doctor will treat the situation using antibiotics. However, there might be some risk attached to using medicines during pregnancy, and the patient should only use these medications at the request of their doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are pregnant, never rely on the testimony of what you find online as a means of treatment, Visit your doctor for proper diagnosis of your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Malaise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Malaise <\/a>is a medical term referring to feelings of dread, depression, or anxiety associated with an undiagnosed medical condition. If a woman develops BV, she may be unaware of the cause of the disorder. A bacterial imbalance is not a life-threatening condition, but it causes plenty of embarrassment, especially with sexual partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient may think that they are dealing with a more severe infection, such as an STI. It may be a few days before the patient gets to see a doctor. During this time, the mind runs wild with the possibilities for the cause of the infection. Their concern may trigger sensations of malaise that result in the development of anxiety and depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, once the patient receives an accurate diagnosis, the symptoms of malaise will lift almost instantly, returning the patient to a sound state of mind. If left unmanaged and untreated, the symptoms of depression will continue to advance, resulting in a possible mental health disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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