Many women are known to suffer from chronic bacterial vaginosis for years as there is no cure for the ailment; however medications are given to suppress the symptoms. Though bacterial vaginosis mostly infects women with multiple partners or having highly active sexual life, it is not uncommon among women who totally refrain from sex.
Medications can suppress the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis for a while but the infection reappears since the illness remains uncured. Though the disease is not fatal, it can be a very frustrating and irritating condition that can cause problems in the woman’s relationship with her partner.
Possible Causes
Like with the treatment, the cause of CBV (chronic bacterial vaginosis) also lacks proper explanation and research based facts. It is known that the imbalance in the bacteria present in vagina may lead to CBV. Usually the healthy good bacterium outnumbers the harmful and dangerous bacterial in vagina, but due to some stimulating situations, this condition may change.
Though there are no definite known causes that result in CBV infections, it is known that multiple sex partners, new sexual contact, constant douching or contact with contaminated objects may increase the risk of the disease. However, women who have never had sexual intercourse may also develop Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Many women who are infected with bacterial vaginosis never show any signs or symptoms of the infection, though in some women the symptoms can cause frustrating complications like
- Itching in the vagina
- Abnormal vaginal discharge which is grayish white in color and transparent
- Foul smell emanating from vagina, especially after coitus
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain around the vulva and urethra
How Dangerous?
The symptoms can interfere with sexual relationships of the women, as she may not be willing to have sex during the flaring of the infection. It not only brings down her confidence, but will physically hurt her to have natural sex with her partner.
Though independently bacterial vaginosis does not cause much harm to the woman, especially if there are no irritating symptoms, it can be dangerous during certain situations. A woman with bacterial vaginosis has higher risk of getting infected by HIV virus when exposed to it; in addition she will also increase the chances of infecting her partner in case of sexual contact. It also makes her more susceptible to STDs.
The already present bacterial infection can increase the chances of further bacterial infection following surgical procedures, hysterectomy, miscarriage, abortion or childbirth. It increases the chance of premature childbirth and PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).
Remedies and Management
One of the most important parts of managing chronic bacterial vaginosis is to maintain genital hygiene and keep the vaginal area clean. Though bacterial vaginosis clears away without treatment in many cases, it is better to take antibiotics as a precautionary measure to prevent recurrence of the infection. In case of pregnant women, even the non-symptomatic CBV should be treated effectively. Metronidazole or Clindamycin are the two most common antibiotics prescribed for curing CBV.
Yogurt and Garlic are excellent home remedies for bacterial vaginosis. The good bacteria in the yogurt will restore the balance and decrease the alkaline in the vagina. The home remedies are proven more effective than prescription medicines in healing chronic bacterial vaginosis and also in preventing it from recurring again and again.