Saturday 18, October 2025

How to Maintain a Healthy Intimate Balance: Simple Tips for Everyday Comfort

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal condition that occurs from an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina. Typically, the vagina contains a mix of "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli, and "bad" bacteria, known as anaerobes.

When the number of anaerobes increases, it disrupts this delicate balance, leading to bacterial vaginosis. While BV can affect individuals of any age, it is most prevalent during the reproductive years.

Who is at Risk for Bacterial Vaginosis?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing BV. You may be at a higher risk if you:

Are of reproductive age, as BV is most common during these years
Are sexually active. Having new or multiple sexual partners may increase your risk, although it is important to know that bacterial vaginosis (BV) is NOT a sexually transmitted infection or STI.
Practice douching. Rinsing the vagina with other fluids or soap can disturb the natural balance of bacteria, making you more susceptible to BV.
Use certain hygiene products. Scented soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal deodorants can alter the vaginal environment.
Use an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception
Naturally lacks sufficient "good" bacteria (lactobacilli) in the vagina
Smoke

Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis

While up to half of those with bacterial vaginosis experience no noticeable symptoms, there are several key indicators to be aware of. If symptoms do appear, they often include:

Unusual Vaginal Discharge: You might notice a thin, watery discharge that is typically off-white, gray, or sometimes greenish in color.
A Distinct Odor: A strong, unpleasant smell, often described as "fishy," is a hallmark symptom of this condition. This odor may become more prominent after sexual intercourse or during your period.
Vaginal Discomfort: Some individuals experience itching or irritation in and around the vagina.
Burning Sensation: A stinging or burning feeling, particularly when urinating, can also be a sign of BV.

How is Bacterial Vaginosis Caused?

Bacterial vaginosis develops not from contracting a single germ, but from a change in the complex environment within your vagina. It happens when the populations of naturally occurring "bad" bacteria (anaerobes) grow and outnumber the "good" bacteria (lactobacilli).

While the condition is strongly linked to sexual activity, it is not considered a STI that you "catch" from a partner. Instead, sexual activity is believed to be a trigger that can disrupt your vagina's delicate bacterial balance.

Other practices, such as douching or using certain scented hygiene products, can also upset this environment and lead to the overgrowth of bacteria that causes BV. You cannot get BV from toilet seats, swimming pools, or casual contact.

Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?

Bacterial vaginosis is not contagious in the traditional sense. You cannot catch it from toilet seats, swimming pools, bedding, or by touching objects. However, there is a strong link between BV and sexual activity.

BV can also be passed between female sexual partners. Men do not typically contract BV, but they may carry the bacteria on their skin and can potentially contribute to its recurrence in partners; however, the exact role they play in transmission is still being researched.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis and Yeast Infection the same thing?

While both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are common and can cause vaginal discomfort, they are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Mistaking one for the other can delay proper care, so understanding the differences is key.

Here is a breakdown of the primary distinctions:

The Underlying Cause

Bacterial Vaginosis: Caused by an overgrowth of several types of bacteria that are naturally present in the vagina. This disrupts the vagina's pH balance, making it less acidic.
Yeast Infection: Caused by an overgrowth of a fungus (most commonly Candida albicans.). This does not typically change the vagina's pH level.

Key Symptoms: Odor vs. Itching

Bacterial Vaginosis: The most telling symptom is a distinct and unpleasant "fishy" odor, which may become more noticeable after sexual intercourse. Itching can occur, but is generally mild or absent.
Yeast Infection: The hallmark symptom is intense itching and irritation in and around the vagina. A burning sensation and soreness are also familiar. There is typically no noticeable odor.

Nature of the Discharge

Bacterial Vaginosis: The discharge is usually thin, watery, and grayish-white or yellowish in color.
Yeast Infection: The discharge is characteristically thick, white, and lumpy, often likened to the consistency of cottage cheese.

Treatment Approach

Bacterial Vaginosis: As a bacterial issue, it requires antibiotics (such as metronidazole, clindamycin, or tinidazole) prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Yeast Infection: Being a fungal infection, it is treated with antifungal medications, which are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

How Bacterial Vaginosis is Diagnosed

To determine if you have bacterial vaginosis, a healthcare provider will typically perform a few steps to get a complete and accurate picture of your health, rule out other potential infections, and confirm a diagnosis. The process generally includes:

Discussing Your Symptoms and Medical History

Your doctor or nurse will begin by asking about your symptoms, such as the nature of any discharge, odor, or discomfort you are experiencing. They will also likely ask about your general medical history, sexual health, and any methods of contraception you use, as these can be relevant factors.

Performing a Pelvic Exam

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will visually inspect your vagina & cervix for signs of BV, which may include a thin, grayish-white discharge coating the vaginal walls. This exam also helps to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Collecting a Sample for Testing

To confirm the diagnosis, your provider will use a cotton swab to collect a tiny sample of fluid and cells from your vagina. This sample is then analyzed using one or more of the following methods:

pH Test: A strip of pH paper is used to test the acidity of the vaginal fluid. A pH level higher than 4.5 is a strong indicator of bacterial vaginosis.
Wet Mount: The sample is placed on a glass slide with a saline solution and examined under a microscope. The provider will look for "clue cells," which are vaginal cells covered with bacteria—a hallmark sign of BV.
Whiff Test: A drop of KOH ( potassium hydroxide) is added to the discharge sample. If this produces a strong, fishy odor, it confirms the presence of the chemicals produced by the bacteria that cause BV.
Lab Analysis: In some cases, the sample may be sent to a lab for a Gram stain, which allows a technician to see the balance of "good" versus "bad" bacteria, or for more advanced molecular tests that can detect the specific bacteria associated with BV.

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis

Once diagnosed, bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with prescription medications designed to eliminate the harmful bacteria and restore a healthy balance to the vaginal environment.

It is important to use only medications prescribed by a healthcare provider, as over-the-counter remedies for other conditions, like yeast infections, will not cure BV and may worsen your symptoms.

The treatment prescribed by your doctor will likely come in one of two forms

Oral Medications: These are certain pills that you swallow, typically for a course of several days.
Topical Gels or Creams: This type of medication is put directly into the vagina using a special applicator, usually at bedtime, for several consecutive days.

Note: Regardless of the type of treatment you are prescribed, it is crucial to complete the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms disappear before you have finished. Stopping the treatment early may lead to a recurrence of the infection.

Managing BV and Preventing Its Return

Gentle Hygiene Practices

Avoid Douching: Never douche or rinse out your vagina with water or other fluids. This practice flushes out beneficial bacteria and disrupts the vagina's natural defenses.
Use Mild, Unscented Soaps: Wash the external genital area (the vulva) with plain warm water or a gentle, fragrance-free soap. Avoid using scented soaps, harsh cleansers, or feminine hygiene sprays in the genital area.
Rethink Your Bath: Limit the use of bubble baths, bath oils, and antiseptic liquids, as these can irritate the sensitive vaginal area.
Wipe Correctly: After using the toilet, always make sure to wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria.

Underwear and Laundry

Wear Breathable Fabrics: Opt for underwear made from breathable materials, such as cotton. Avoid tight-fitting trousers and synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, that can trap moisture.
Use Gentle Detergents: Wash your underwear with a mild, non-scented detergent.

Sexual Health and Wellness

Use Condoms: Using external condoms can help reduce the risk of developing BV.
Limit Your Number of Sexual Partners: Research shows a link between a higher number of sexual partners and an increased risk of BV.
Clean Sex Toys: Always clean sex toys thoroughly after every use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?

While it is possible for a mild case of bacterial vaginosis to resolve on its own as your body naturally restores its vaginal balance, it is not recommended to wait and see if the symptoms will clear up without medical intervention.

Leaving BV untreated can lead to persistent discomfort and, more importantly, can increase your risk of developing serious health complications. These risks include:

Increased Susceptibility to STIs: An untreated BV infection can make you more vulnerable to STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HIV.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes travel from the vagina to the uterus or fallopian tubes, leading to PID. This serious infection can affect fertility.
Complications During Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, untreated BV has been linked to a risk of complications such as premature delivery and having a baby with low birth weight.
Post-Surgical Infections: BV can increase the risk of developing an infection after gynecological surgeries, like a hysterectomy

Outlook

The outlook for individuals with bacterial vaginosis is generally very good. The condition is readily treatable, and with the correct course of prescribed medication, symptoms typically begin to improve within a few days. When treated properly, BV does not cause any long-term health complications.

However, it is important to be aware that recurrence is common. Many people experience a return of BV within 3 to 12 months after the first treatment. If your symptoms reappear, you should consult your healthcare provider again.

They can confirm the diagnosis and may recommend a different type of medication or a more extended treatment plan to manage the condition effectively. Following preventive measures can also play a significant role in reducing the frequency of these recurrences.

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Better Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we are committed to providing exceptional gynecological care, prioritizing your comfort and well-being throughout your healthcare journey. Our team of highly skilled gynecologists in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Gandhidham has established a reputation for excellent treatment and care.