How bacterial vaginosis develops and how it differs from vaginal thrush.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Have you ever heard of bacterial vaginosis? For many women, this topic is still taboo, even though the condition is very common!
Bacterial vaginosis is the term used to describe a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. It occurs when certain bacteria in the vagina multiply too rapidly, creating an imbalance. As it is treated with antibiotics, a gynaecological examination is necessary.
Although the condition is not very well known, around 20 percent of all women experience a bacterial vaginal infection, usually bacterial vaginosis, at least once in their lives.
Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria are often the cause of bacterial vaginosis. Many women have small amounts of Gardnerella bacteria in their vagina, and this is not considered a health issue. The bacteria are spread from the anus to the vagina through smear or contact infections, for example during sexual intercourse.
Pharmacist
DR. KADE
Medical Affairs
What will be discussed
Bacterial vaginosis: uncomfortable and stressful
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be very distressing.
They include an increase in predominantly grey-white discharge and a fishy odour. We have summarised the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis in this article.
It is important for those affected to know that bacterial vaginosis is not caused by poor hygiene. The unpleasant odour arises because bacterial vaginosis causes the anaerobic bacteria to break down certain proteins into so-called amines. And what exactly are those?
Anaerobic comes from the Greek and means ‘without air’.
Anaerobic microorganisms don’t need oxygen for their metabolism and live in an environment ‘without air’. Anaerobic bacteria are also a natural component of mucosal and skin flora. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, whereby some of the anaerobic bacteria present multiply to a greater extent than others. As previously mentioned, these bacteria break down proteins. This produces building blocks (amines) that are related to ammonia. Ammonia smells pungent and unpleasant, so it is not surprising that an increased release of amines leads to a fishy odour in vaginal discharge.
Why you should always see a doctor if you have bacterial vaginosis
If you suspect that you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis, you should always seek gynaecological advice!
But don’t worry, it’s easy to treat. However, treatment is only available with a prescription. Suitable antibiotics are those with active ingredients such as metronidazole or clindamycin. Treatment usually alleviates the unpleasant symptoms quite quickly.
But there’s a catch: antibiotics not only kill the unwanted bacteria, they also kill the lactic acid bacteria found in the body, which protect the vagina and intimate area. In order to build up a stable vaginal flora and prevent a relapse, supplementing treatment with a 7-day lactic acid treatment has proven to be effective. The KadeFlora lactic acid treatment (KadeFlora Milchsäurekur) helps to quickly rebuild the vaginal flora after an infection. The treatment
- Relieves discomfort such as unpleasant odour and excessive discharge.
- Stabilises the vaginal flora and supports the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
- Can also be used during pregnancy.
You can find out more about treating bacterial vaginosis in this article!
FAQs
Vaginal infections are not uncommon, especially during pregnancy. For example, vaginal yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis can occur more frequently: one in five to ten pregnant women suffers from it.
The reason for this is that the altered hormone levels during pregnancy also influence the climate in the vagina. Furthermore, pregnant women’s immune systems are more sensitive, so infections tend to occur more quickly. Although bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is not life-threatening, it still must be treated under medical supervision.
If left untreated, it can increase the risk of premature labour and premature rupture of the amniotic sac, ultimately increasing the risk of a premature birth. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage.
Vaginal flora can become imbalanced for various reasons, making it difficult to always prevent bacterial vaginosis. However, you can take some measures to reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis. A strong immune system plays an important role, for example. People who are often stressed and have an unhealthy diet are generally more likely to fall ill.
You can therefore contribute to maintaining good general health by avoiding stress or reducing it as much as possible. Many women achieve this through activities such as sports. Regular exercise in the fresh air, such as jogging or cycling, is particularly good for your health and supports your immune system.
Proper intimate hygiene also helps to protect the vagina and intimate area from infections.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when certain bacteria in the vagina multiply too much, creating an imbalance. Bacterial vaginosis is typically caused by Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, which can also be present in small amounts in the vagina of healthy women without causing symptoms.
Bacteria of the species Gardnerella vaginalis are usually the cause of bacterial vaginosis. These bacteria are usually found in the gut. They can easily travel from the gut to the vagina through smear infection.
This can happen, e.g. if you clean wipe back to front after a bowel movement. The bacteria can also easily cross the short distance from the gut to the vagina during sex. This sometimes happens when the penis is inserted into the vagina, but the risk is particularly high when switching from anal to vaginal intercourse. To prevent vaginal infections, you should always change the condom when using this method.
