What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis, also known medically as aminocolpitis, is not an infection, but a dysbiosis. This means that the bacterial flora of the vagina is unbalanced , as disease-causing bacteria (mostly Gardnerella vaginalis) settle there, which normally do not belong there in this amount. It doesn't have to be bad, a Gardnerella infection often even goes unnoticed by the woman. In about half of the cases, however, one of the first symptoms is a gray-white discharge that smells unpleasantly fishy. The risk of infection then increases. techwadia

Incidentally, men are not immune to Gardnerella infection either. With him, t he bacterial infestation manifests itself in violent and sometimes foul-smelling inflammation as well as swelling of the inner foreskin and the glans. The good news: bacterial vaginosis can usually be treated well.

Bacterial vaginosis: symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis is not that rare. About five out of 100 women get it. If you notice a bad smelling, thin discharge that may increase during your period and after intercourse, it could be an indication of bacterial vaginosis. Even if the discharge is only uncomfortable at first: an atypical bacterial colonization of the vagina is more than just an inconvenience. The excess of bacteria in bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of infection, for example

• on the lining of the cervix (cervicitis)
• on the fallopian tube (salpingitis)
• on the Bartholin glands (help the vagina to become moist during sex; Bartholinitis)
• the outer pubic parts (vulvitis)

In addition, foci of pus can form on the fallopian tubes or ovaries (tubo-ovarian abscess), and women with bacterial vaginosis occasionally experience pain when urinating or during sex.

Bacterial vaginosis: causes

A slightly acidic environment usually prevails in the female vagina. The bacteria that naturally reside there, mainly lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli), create a certain pH value. This is important because this level of acidity protects against pathogens. Sometimes the bacterial balance of the vagina is unstable, however, and the degree of acidity decreases as the amount of lactobacilli decreases. At the same time, the other germs and bacteria multiply, which occur naturally in small numbers in the vagina and are harmless. The main culprit is the Gardnerella bacterium in this infection.

Where the germs come from or why they multiply has not yet been clarified. Experts suggest that intercourse is the leading cause of bacterial vaginosis. The disease can also occur in women and girls who have not (yet) had sex. In addition, bleeding, estrogen deficiency , stress , smoking and vitamin D deficiency are all risk factors that can lead to disorders in the vaginal flora.

Special features in pregnant women

Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and child. Pregnant women should definitely consult a doctor as soon as possible . As a result of bacterial vaginosis, for example, labor can start prematurely, the amniotic sac can burst too early, leading to premature birth . The reason for this are probably different biochemical reactions between the uterus and fetus due to the changed bacterial colonization.

Other complications that can occur include:

• Infection of the embryonic envelope (amnionitis)
• delayed healing of perineal cuts
• Inflammation the lining of the womb (endometritis)

Bacterial vaginosis: diagnosis

Bacterial vaginosis cannot be diagnosed with absolute certainty based on the symptoms alone. The signs are too similar to other vaginal infections. Therefore, the gynecologist will examine the vagina and take vaginal secretions ( smear ). This sample is examined by a laboratory for the pH value and the types of bacteria present.

Bacterial vaginosis: treatment

Sometimes waiting helps. Bacterial vaginosis heals on its own in ten to 20 percent of cases. However, if it causes discomfort, it must be treated. Usually antibiotic tablets, creams or suppositories are used first, which are supposed to kill the pathogens. Sometimes the attending physician also gives capsules or suppositories with live lactic acid bacteria to restore balance in the vagina.

However, it has not yet been sufficiently proven whether lactic acid bacteria use them. However, the therapy is considered a sensible measure to avoid illness or to maintain a state of healing. Home remedy such as tea tree oil, yogurt or lemon water, on the other hand, are not suitable for treating bacterial vaginits (on your own) according to current scientific knowledge.

Caution: An exception to the treatment of bacterial vaginosis is pregnancy. Due to the risks (e.g. premature birth), those affected should not wait and see a doctor.

What helps and how long the treatment takes always depends on the severity of the disease, the individual composition of the bacterial colonization and the immune system of the woman or her vagina. Even if, on average, the vaginal flora is restored after about a week of antibiotic therapy: It is advisable to therapy over several weeks or months so that the vaginal flora can regenerate. At 60 to 70 percent, the relapse rate after treatment is quite high. This is because the biofilm in the vagina cannot be completely removed.

Even if it is meant well: Performing partner treatment for aminocolpitis can make the therapy itself more successful, but it does not change the relapse rate.

Bacterial vaginosis: contagion

Bacterial vaginosis is contagious. However, in aminocolpitis, transmission of the pathogen from one person to another is not the only cause of the disease. Hormonal changes, a weakened immune system or excessive intimate hygiene can also make bacterial vaginosis more likely.