An overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina causes bacterial vaginosis (BV). The exact cause of BV is not well understood, but it is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria found in the vagina. While it is common for Gardnerella vaginalis to cause BV, other organisms, such as Mobilluncus and Atrotobium, may predispose an individual to the disease (Muzny et al., 2019).
Common symptoms of BV include a thin, grey, or white vaginal discharge, a strong, fishy odor, especially after sexual intercourse, vaginal itching or burning, and sometimes a burning sensation during urination. However, many women with BV may not have any symptoms at all. Moreover, it is essential to note that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection but is associated with sexual activity, having multiple sexual partners, and douching.
During the physical examination, the doctor will inspect the genitals and collect samples for lab tests similar to other genital tract infections. During the genital inspection, they will examine the vulva, related organs, and cervix using a speculum.
Muzny et al. (2019) state that the sample collection for BV should be done using a special brush or swab to prevent distortion of the present organisms, if any. The sample can then be examined for the presence of the overgrowth of bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis by a whiff test, pH test, or microscopy test.
The specific treatment approach for bacterial vaginosis (BV) depends on the severity of the symptoms, the woman’s overall health, and whether or not she is pregnant. The main treatments for BV are antibiotics, which in most cases involve a combination of clindamycin and metronidazole (Muzny et al., 2019). The two drugs can be administered either orally or topically. The patient is supposed to take two pills a day for one week or a clindamycin gel inserted inside their vagina with an applicator stick.
References
Muzny, C. A., Taylor, C. M., Swords, W. E., Tamhane, A., Chattopadhyay, D., Cerca, N., & Schwebke, J. R. (2019). An updated conceptual model on the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 220(9), 1399-1405. Web.