Ten Things Women (And The Men In Their Lives) Need To Know About Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that produces few or no symptoms at all, until it results in a heartbreak. Keeping bacterial vaginosis under control requires a doctor's help -- it's not possible for women to know for sure which kind of bacteria are causing their symptoms without examination of a culture under a microscope -- but keeping the infection from coming back may require changes in lifestyle or habits.

1. Bacterial vaginosis can be transmitted by dirty hands.

Teenaged girls who develop bacterial vaginosis often have just started masturbating, and don't know that clean hands or stimulatory devices are a must. It's also important for both partners to have "clean" sex, to avoid transmitting bacteria and other germs to the lining of the vagina.

2. Most kinds of douching and bubble bath increase the risk of infection.

The body's defense against the microorganisms that cause bacterial vaginosis is Lactobacillus bacteria. When these bacteria are washed away, the lining of vagina becomes more alkaline, and disease-causing bacteria can multiply. A douche with vinegar and water, however, reduces the risk of vaginal infection, by lowering the pH of the lining of the vagina so the vaginosis bacteria don't multiply.

3. Untreated bacterial vaginosis can cause serious complications after abortion.

Women who do not get treatment for bacterial vaginosis, possibly because they do not know they have bacterial vaginosis, are at increased risk for a complication called cellulitis after they have abortions. Failure to get treatment for bacterial vaginosis is not in and of itself a reason not to have an abortion, but it is a reason for increased medical care after the procedure.

4. Bacterial vaginosis increases a woman's risk of yeast infections.

Bacterial vaginosis usually does not cause severe inflammation, but yeast infections usually do. If a woman suspects vaginosis on the basis of a private "whiff test" and then develops itching, redness, and increased discharge, the problem may have progressed to a Candida infection.

5. Bacterial vaginosis can occur in girls even before they have their first period.

Pre-pubescent girls sometimes develop bacterial vaginosis. This does not mean they have had sex.[4]

6. Women who have bacterial vaginosis should wash with hypoallergenic bar soaps or no soap at all.

It's important to get "too clean" if you have bacterial vaginosis, so the protective Lactobacillus bacteria can re-establish themselves. Mild, bar soaps are OK, but anything sudsy, with large bubbles, can set up new infections.

7. Women should not have an IUD (intrauterine device) inserted unless they are sure they are free of bacterial vaginosis.

Many doctors will prescribe antibiotics to women who are getting IUD's just to make sure vaginosis does not cause any complications. There aren't any clinical trials to support this practice, but it seems like a reasonable precaution. It's important to reintroduce healthy bacteria after finishing the antibiotics, however.[5]

8. Once a woman has recovered from bacterial vaginosis, applying probiotics will keep it from coming back.

It's not necessary to use probiotic products continuously. One Italian study found that 96% of women who used probiotics just once every six months stayed free from bacterial vaginosis for the duration of the clinical trial.

9. Femine hygiene products are not recommended for women who have a history of bacterial vaginosis.

Sprays and washes kills the helpful bacteria that keep pathogenic bacteria in check.

10. New sexual partners may cause new bacterial infections.

Even more men carry the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis than women. Sex with a new male partner is a reason to become aware of the possibility of changes in women's health. Having sex with barrier protection (a condom, not an IUD), however, greatly reduces the risk of introducing the infection.