It is a bacterial infection (caused by overgrowth of normal vaginal flora) that causes inflammation of the vaginal skin and changes to vaginal acidity (vaginal pH) due to the disruption of the normal/natural balance of the vaginal flora allowing only certain bacteria to grow and other bacteria does not.
The pH of the vagina should be in the region of 3.5-4.5.
This condition can occur again within months even if one has had treatment.
It is not considered as a sexually transmitted infection.
It tends to occur in females who are sexually active (sexual intercourse) – however it can occur if one has not had sexual intercourse.
One does not have pain during sex with this condition.
It is believed having sexual intercourse strips away certain bacteria upsetting the balance of the vaginal flora as well as when has sexual intercourse or foreplay, the female will get the partners microbes (these bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli).
Getting the right diagnosis is important as it is mistaken for other vaginal and sexual transmitted diseases and each have different treatments regimens respectively.
Use of public pools or toilet seats, swimming is not a significant risk factor for bacterial vaginosis.
Hormonal contraception is associated with a decreased risk.
Medscape
Having this condition does not mean your are unhygienic, this condition maybe caused by over – cleaning the vagina which disrupts the vaginal flora and changes the pH levels.
Periods (menstruation) can sometime trigger this condition as menstruation can make the vagina less acidic changing the pH levels in the vagina.
Antibiotics are one of the options to consider (please note they kill bad and good bacteria and can lead to thrush), consider also to use pro-biotics or specialist vitamins and or gels/pessaries that help to restore the gut and/or vaginal flora.
Cause
Growth of Bacteria:
Gardnerella
Atopobium vaginae
strains of the Prevotella
Strains of Morbiluncus
Poor growth of bacteria:
Lactobacilli
Change of partner
Multiple sex partners
New sex partners
Same sex partner
Have an IUD (contraception device)
Unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex (semen can upset the vaginal natural acidity)
Shared sex toys
Use of medicated and/or perfumed products on your vagina
Douching
When taking antibiotics and upset the natural flora
Maybe genetic mutations of the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) – a peptide hormone involved in the stress response, immunity and inflammation.
Keep your genital area clean and dry (especially if exposed to sweaty environments i.e. gyms) – take a warm bath (showers are preferred) rather than a hot one and use unperfumed- plain soap and/or pH neutral soaps to clean your genital area (the vagina cleans itself with natural secretions); dry yourself thoroughly
Avoid douching (spraying water inside your vagina) – it may make your vaginitis symptoms worse by removing the healthy bacteria that line the vagina and help keep it free from infection
Not use feminine hygiene products – such as sprays, deodorants or powders
Use pads rather than tampons if you’re using intravaginal creams or pessaries to treat an infection – tampons may ‘soak up’ the treatment meaning there’s less available in the vagina
Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear – this may be beneficial if you have external soreness, but it won’t prevent getting vaginitis in the future.
NHS choices
Lycra and nylon underwear prevents the vagina from breathing.
Changing pads and tampon regularly during a period will help to keep the pH in normal range.
Have a healthy diet (fruits and vegetables) and Eat/drink ‘live yogurt’.
Aerobic vaginitis (a condition similar to BV but that is caused by bacteria foreign to the vagina, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli)
Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix with both infectious and non-infectious causes)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Cytolytic Vaginosis or Bacterial Vaginosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
Sherrard J, Wilson J, Donders G, et al. 2018 European (IUSTI/WHO) International Union against sexually transmitted infections (IUSTI) World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline on the management of vaginal discharge. International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2018.https://iusti.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Vagdx2018.pdf (accessed Jun 2023).
