Bacterial Vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome; a common cause of unusual smelly vaginal discharge with a different consistency and colour, evident especially after sex. However, about 50% of women with Bacterial Vaginosis experience no symptoms. Similarly, itchiness and soreness are usually not present during this infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in itself, but it can increase your chance of getting various STI’s such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, as well as lead to fertility issues.
Although Bacterial Vaginosis is quite common, there is not yet a clearly known cause. However, a recent study from the University of Illinois at Chicago published in the Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology Journal suggests that bacteria in the penis microbiome might be leading to the onset of Bacterial Vaginosis in women, or whether a woman may possibly get it.
The study was performed on 168 heterosexual couples from Kenya, where it was determined that at the initial study phase, none of the female participants had Bacterial Vaginosis. However, over the course of the study, over 31% of the women were diagnosed with the infection. The microbiome of each male’s penis was then compared to their infected female partners, and it was determined that a similar microbiota composition was present. Furthermore, 10 BV related bacteria were noted, which may predict with high accuracy the onset of the infection in women.
Although more evidence is needed in this regard so as to determine why the penis microbiota triggers Bacterial Vaginosis, the study does indicate that during sexual intercourse, bacteria from the penis microbiome is transferred into the vagina, triggering Bacterial Vaginosis. Additionally, bacteria from the penis microbiome also disrupts the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome throughout sex, which eventually triggers Bacterial Vaginosis.
Facts
- You are more likely to get BV if you are sexually active, have had a change in partner, have an IUD, or use perfumed products around your vaginal area
- BV can be transferred through sex even between one woman to another
- STI’s are more likely if you have BV, since BV alters the acidity within the vagina, reducing the body’s natural defenses
- BV during pregnancy may increase the chance for complications such as miscarriage or premature birth. Thus it is important to talk to a GP if your vaginal discharge colour and consistency change during pregnancy, to ensure BV is not present
How To Relieve Symptoms
- Use plain soap and water to wash genital area (do not use antiseptic soap either)
- Shower instead of taking a bath so as to avoid bathing in soapy perfumed water
- Avoid perfumed product use within your genital area
- Wash your underwear with gentle detergents
Treatment
Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis usually includes antibiotic tablets, gels or creams, which can be prescribed by a GP, Gynaecologist or the GU Clinic.
Treatment should ideally be sought by both partners, even in the case of same-sex partners.
Bacterial Vaginosis may also be a recurring infection. In this case, a longer treatment period may be prescribed by your GP, Gynaecologist or the GU Clinic. Such professionals may also help you identify the reason behind the recurring BV infection.
In the study mentioned above, researchers noted that antibiotic treatment of BV has limited success when it comes to long term treatment, which is evident in up to 50% or women experiencing recurrence of the infection within a few months. This indicates the need for further study so more effective treatment can be sought.
Although Bacterial Vaginosis impacts women directly, a better strategy in reducing its occurrence may be that of including male partners in BV conversations to increase the options and opportunities for better sexual and reproductive health in women and reduce the stigma related to BV.
Getting Tested
Your GP or Gynaecologist may help in identifying Bacterial Vaginosis through the symptoms you are experiencing, whilst ruling out STI possibility. However, a GU clinic provides a walk-in service for a free and confidential consultation. For more information or to set up an appointment at the Sexual Health Clinic you may call on 21227981 or 22987115.
References:
Mehta, Supriya D, Zhao, Dan, Green, Stefan J, Agingu, Walter, Otieno, Fredrick, Bhaumik, Runa, . . . Bailey, Robert C. (2020). The Microbiome Composition of a Man’s Penis Predicts Incident Bacterial Vaginosis in His Female Sex Partner With High Accuracy. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 10, Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 2020-08-04, Vol.10. Accessed on 24th September 2020 at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2020.00433/full
NHS, 2018. Bacterial Vaginosis. Accessed on 24th September 2020 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/
Do you have an experience with BV? Contact us or email us at [email protected] in strictest confidence and share your experience with our followers.
Claire Galea is a mum of three currently reading for a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. She is keen about holistic patient-centered care as well as public education about health-related subjects, which she frequently writes about on Wham as a Content Writer and Website Editor.
Claire is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. She is the author of two downloadable ebooks, namely Heal Your Life Forever and 5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams.
Click here to check out Claire’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
