Bacterial Vaginosis – When We Lose Our Balance

Burning, itching of intimate areas, painful urination, unusual (yellowish, greenish, white or grey) vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant smell . Does this sound familiar now? I ask because although I wish us all vaginas that are a paragon of constant health and a source of pleasure, unfortunately a large number of us go through this infection. So for those who already know it a bit, and for those who are afraid of it: a solid dose of knowledge about bacterial vaginosis.

Bacteria living in the vagina

As we know, our bodies are colonized by thousands of microorganisms. The skin, digestive tract, mucous membranes - these are habitats, let's call it simply, of good and bad bacteria. In addition to the mucus layer and epithelial cells, the biological protection of the vagina is provided by bacteria. Over 70% of them are Lactobacillus - lactic acid bacteria. In reproductive years, each gram of vaginal secretion at certain stages of the menstrual cycle can contain up to 10 million of these bacteria!

These microorganisms are the real guardians of the vaginal microflora, because they maintain a suitably acidic environment. But it is worth mentioning here that in people of different ethnic groups, other bacteria can also be responsible for the production of lactic acid. In the vaginal ecosystem of white people with uteruses and people of Asian origin, Lactobacillus is definitely dominant, but only 60% of black or Latino people have a similar composition of vaginal bacterial flora. So the vaginal pH depends on both our race and the stage of reproductive life in which we are.

If the pH is maintained at the right level (from 3.6 to 4.5), it prevents the excessive growth of other microorganisms, such as Gardnerella vaginalis , Veillonella , Escherichia coli or Prevotella . These mysteriously sounding Latin names are anaerobic bacteria. Although they have been present in the digestive system since the moment we are born and in small quantities they are harmless and even useful, the problems begin when their numbers increase. Then they look for more space for themselves, preferably where there is warmth and moisture - and these conditions are ideally met by the inside of the vagina. Due to the excess of pathogens, the lactic acid bacteria that were dominant in it disappear, and the pH increases significantly. The defense system stops working and bam! a vaginal infection occurs. All this cooperation or competition between microorganisms is of course beyond our sight, but - although bacterial vaginosis sometimes passes without symptoms - in many cases the body sends us various signals at that time.

The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginal infection

I recently wrote on my blog about cervical mucus before a period , emphasizing the importance of observing vaginal discharge in the context of our health. The importance of this topic is evidenced by how quickly we return to it. The smell, color, and consistency of the mucus most often warn of intimate infections. When bacterial vaginosis is symptomatic, it is usually accompanied by white-gray discharge that has an unpleasant, fishy smell. Other possible symptoms include itching or burning of the vagina and vulva, and pain during intercourse or when urinating (which results from the fact that the "bad" bacteria that colonize the vagina often also move to the urethra).

As always, when discussing changes occurring in the vagina or breasts, we do not ignore their impact on our heads. In many cases, the effects of intimate infections are emotional and social in nature. Recurrent bacterial vaginosis makes some people feel dirty and ashamed. This often leads to giving up sexual activity, especially oral sex. The topic of intimate infections should not be taboo, but there is no denying that talking about them can be embarrassing. Despite this, if you are struggling with bacterial vaginosis or any other intimate infection, try to talk about it with your partner. What is really at stake here is your health. And if the basis of your relationship is honesty and care, then in such situations you should show each other support and understanding :)

Finding the source of bacterial vaginosis is not always possible, although there are many situations that are conducive to its occurrence. So, so as not to be completely surprised, let's talk a little more about the causes of this infection.

What promotes the growth of pathogenic bacteria?

At the beginning of the text there was a lot about proportions, but it is worth realizing that the number of microorganisms in the vagina (and the whole body) changes - sometimes naturally and independently of us, and sometimes due to inappropriate practices. In fact, it is not entirely clear why intimate infections recur in one person and not in another. At the same time, a number of internal and external factors are given that promote infections of intimate areas.

People with uteruses of any age can get bacterial vaginosis, but sexual activity during the reproductive years is particularly conducive to its development. The risk of bacterial vaginosis increases significantly with the number of sexual partners. Having sex with multiple people, especially without a condom, can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora and increase susceptibility to diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

The methods of intercourse and hygiene before and after intercourse are also important, as is hygiene during menstruation, when the blood changes the pH of the vagina to a slightly more acidic one and thus makes it more susceptible to infections. The risk of infection is increased by irregular changes in hygiene products or menstrual disorders, especially a prolonged period. People who have prolonged bleeding as a side effect of using an intrauterine device may also be at greater risk of bacterial vaginal infection. However, many doctors point out that too little research has been devoted to the effect of hormonal contraception on vaginal flora .

It is worth being vigilant as we enter puberty. During this time, the production of estrogens that stimulate the growth of lactic acid bacteria drops significantly, which leads to a change in the vaginal pH from acidic to alkaline. In addition, bacteria can quickly and easily infect the less moisturized vaginal lining, which is therefore more susceptible to micro-injuries and shrinks during menopause. Of course, hormonal changes also occur in pregnant women, and as we can guess, many of them suffer from bacterial vaginosis then. It happens that the aforementioned Escherichia coli bacteria get into the upper part of the genital tract, which can lead not only to inflammation, but even to premature birth or low birth weight .

The balance of vaginal flora can be disturbed by: improper vaginal hygiene, including douching or using cleansing fluids with poor composition, diet, how our immune system works and what changes occur in it after illness, taking antibiotics, smoking cigarettes, general lifestyle, stress - as usual, there are many causes and sometimes you can really get lost in it. That is why it is worth calmly familiarizing yourself with the subject, getting to know the different faces of the "enemy" and determining how to protect yourself against it.

What to avoid and what to take care of?

Since bacterial vaginosis is such a common condition and sometimes so difficult to outsmart, let's clearly outline how to minimize the risk of its occurrence.

1. During intercourse, use a condom and avoid sexual contact with a large number of people. Before anything happens, remember that it is worth taking a moment to discuss your sexual history with your new partner (I mean mainly the issue of testing for STDs). You can learn more about male condomshere , and about female condoms here .
2. Don't choose flavored condoms and lubricants. Strawberry flavor or scent sounds tempting, but products with such additives contain sugars and other chemicals that affect the vagina's pH. We say a firm no to petroleum jelly and oil-based lubricants that can damage the condom! If it's a lubricant, only one that is water-based.
3. It is worth getting into the habit of hygiene before and especially after intercourse - washing the perineum (from the pubic mound to the back) and urinating will prevent bacteria from entering the urethra from the anus area.
4. Don't succumb to the old-fashioned belief that vaginal douching is a great way to get rid of infections. Excessive washing of intimate areas can disrupt the natural bacterial flora of the vagina, which - as you already know - increases the risk of infections. The vagina can clean itself, a regular bath or shower is really enough :)
5. Wash your intimate areas only with water or use a mild, fragrance-free liquid that does not contain chemicals that can sterilize or irritate the vagina. I sincerely recommend a natural liquid from Your KAYA with antibacterial lactic acid!
6. Regularly change your sanitary products during your period. And trust me, unscented pads andtampons made of organic cotton are much better than those made of chlorine-bleached plastic - but you probably know that, and that you can buy such products from us :) If you are prone to infections, give up tampons, because they can irritate the mucous membrane. Maybe a menstrual cup instead?
7. Wear airy underwear made of natural materials as often as possible. Let the occasional whim, similar to eating sweets with palm oil, be to put on synthetic, lace panties, and even more so thongs, which are a real transporter of rectal bacteria to the genital tract. Airy clothes for everyday wear at home are also recommended! And for the night - loose pajamas without panties. Although we may not think about it, the vagina also needs rest after a dozen or so hours in clothes.

As I mentioned earlier, bacterial vaginosis can also be a problem due to a decrease in immunity or an unhealthy lifestyle. That's why the last point is not so much as the most holistic advice: take care of yourself :)

Diagnosis and treatment

Many cases of bacterial vaginosis can be easily cured, but in some people the disease persists for a long time or recurs many times. Let's not be skeptical about the symptoms, and certainly not try to alleviate them with home remedies. If any of you suspect an infection, there is no point in delaying a visit to a gynecologist. The first visit is usually empirical treatment (diagnosis of the disease instead of immediate medical diagnosis), the second - taking a sample of vaginal discharge. You have to wait about a week for a culture, and if the swab shows an excess of anaerobic bacteria and the presence of clue cells (vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria), appropriate treatment will be necessary. Depending on the type and severity of symptoms, it usually includes oral or topical antibiotics and supportive treatment with probiotics.

As I wrote in the introduction, balance is the basis for the proper functioning of our bodies. A broader introduction of the topic of intimate infections to social awareness is the basis without which we will not minimize either the risk of their occurrence or the stress associated with them. That is why we are happy to contribute by sharing this knowledge with you :)