What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis

What it is

Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection in the vagina caused by an unbalance in its natural flora. This occurs when the amount of “good bacteria” is less than that of the “bad bacteria”.  Bacterial vaginosis or BV is characterized by an abnormal amount of vaginal discharge that can be milky white or grayish in color with a thin consistency. If may have a strong fish-like odor that becomes more pronounced after sexual intercourse. It is asymptomatic in most cases but can also manifest itself with symptoms such as irritation and itching in the outside areas of the vagina and a burning sensation during urination.

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Although this is the most common infection and is the mildest of all, it can sometimes cause further problems to come about. Infections in the fallopian tubes , ovaries and uterus and a higher risk of being infected with sexually transmitted diseases are only some of these.

Where it comes from

The question of where bacterial vaginosis comes or its cause from has not been fully answered, because of the lack of understanding about it. From what is known it is caused mainly by the imbalance of organisms that thrive within the vagina. About 95% of bacteria that exist within the vagina are lactobacillus, these are considered good bacteria and maintain the natural ph levels within which prevent other organisms or bad bacteria such as gardenrella from growing in the vagina. Contrary to popular belief bacterial vaginosis is not acquired through using beddings or toilet seats that an infected person used. It also cannot be transmitted through swimming pools and by simply touching objects around you.  Some of the factors that may cause an imbalance in the vagina’s flora are:

  • Vaginal Douching- this is a process of cleaning the vagina by flushing the vaginal cavity with liquid or any solution to wash away discharge or other contents. This may be done a number of reasons, including washing away odor or menstruation, to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, or to simply clean the vagina. Although this may be prescribed by some doctors, it should not be done without a physician’s advice and supervision. Douching disturbs the vagina’s delicate chemical balance causing bad bacteria to grow within.
  • Multiple sex partners- sleeping with a number of different partners can lead to bacterial vaginosis not because it disrupts the natural ph, but because this disease can transmitted sexually.
  • Intrauterine Device- IUD’s as they are better known are small t-shaped, plastic devices that are flexible. They are a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus through the vaginal cavity.

Click here to learn more about what causes bacterial vaginosis and what you can do to prevent it.