Bacterial vaginosis is most likely to affect women when they are fertile. However, it can affect women of almost any age. This article will help show you everything you should know about bacterial vaginosis and when to call our home doctor service for bacterial vaginosis in Costa del Sol.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection that occurs in vagina. The infection usually occurs when balance of bacteria changes.
The good news is that this infection does not cause any other health issues. However, it can cause a few difficulties is you’re trying for a baby or you’re pregnant.
It’s not yet clear how BV is caused or why some women succumb to the infection. However, what we do know is that it tends to occur in those are are sexually active.
Thought to be linked to the bacteria that is found in the vagina, those who have more than one sexual partner or clean their vagina are at increased risk. This is because the delicate balance of bacteria is affected.
It’s also not clear how having multiple partners puts a woman at risk of BV. What we do know is that having bacteria vaginosis can make a woman more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get BV if you have never had sexual intercourse. You cannot get the infection from a swimming pool, bedding, or from a toilet seat.
BV Symptoms
If you have bacterial vaginosis, you’re unlikely to have any symptoms 50% of the time. However, if and when you do have symptoms they might include:
- A burning feeling when urinating
- A fish-like smell that is stronger after sexual intercourse
- A thin white, green, or grey discharge
- Itching
Please note, bacterial isn’t the same as a yeast infection. If you have a yeast infection, your white discharge will not smell. Call our home doctor service for bacterial vaginosis in Costa del Sol if you think you have BV.
BV Risk Factors
Most women are susceptible to bacterial vaginosis, however, the risks of getting the infection are much higher if:
- You clean your vagina with soap
- You smoke
- You regularly have sexual intercourse
When you wash your vagina you upset the balance of the natural bacteria. This is why it’s important that you do not use vaginal deodorants, bubble baths or scented soaps on your vagina.
You’re also more likely to get the infection if you have more than one partner or if you have a new partner. It’s also thought that women who have intercourse with other women are more at risk. Women can also get bacterial vaginosis if they have anal or oral sex.
Finally, the IUD, which is a birth control device has been linked to bacterial vaginosis. This is especially the case if you do not bleed regularly.
When to call our Home Doctor Service for Bacterial Vaginosis in Costa del Sol
As the symptoms of BV are similar to other infections, it’s important to find out the cause. Call our Home Doctor Service for Bacterial Vaginosis in Costa del Sol if you:
- Have vaginal discharge that also smells of you have a fever
- Have more than one sexual partner or you have a new sexual partner
- Use over the counter medicine to deal with a yeast infection but you still have symptoms