Bacterial vaginosis

vaginal infection caused by excessive growth of bacteria

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a disease of the vagina caused by a large growth of bacteria.[2]

Bacterial vaginosis
Other namesAnerobic vaginositis, non-specific vaginitis, vaginal bacteriosis, Gardnerella vaginitis
Micrograph of bacterial vaginosis — cells of the cervix covered with rod-shaped bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis (arrows).
SpecialtyGynecology, infectious disease
SymptomsVaginal discharge that often smells like fish, burning with urination
ComplicationsEarly delivery among pregnant women[1]
CausesImbalance of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina
Risk factorsDouching, new or multiple sex partners, antibiotics, using an intrauterine device
Diagnostic methodTesting the vaginal discharge
Differential diagnosisVaginal yeast infection, infection with Trichomonas
PreventionProbiotics
MedicationClindamycin or metronidazole
Frequency~ 5% to 70% of women

Common symptoms include increased vaginal discharge that often smells like fish. The discharge is usually white or gray in color. Burning with urination may occur

It also increases the risk of early delivery among pregnant women.[1][3]

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 Queena JT, Spong CY, Lockwood CJ, eds. (2012). Queenan's management of high-risk pregnancy : an evidence-based approach (6th ed.). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 262. ISBN 9780470655764.
  2. Clark, Natalie; Tal, Reshef; Sharma, Harsha; Segars, James (2014). "Microbiota and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease". Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 32 (1): 043–049. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1361822. ISSN 1526-8004. PMC 4148456. PMID 24390920.
  3. "What are the treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV)?". National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 15 July 2013. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.