BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Often without symptoms, GET DETECTED!

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the vaginal bacterial flora (endogenous infection). It has the particularity of being poorly understood and the modes of transmission are not exclusively sexual .

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Transmission modes

There is no single mode of transmission but there are risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis:

  • douching, tampons left in too long or the IUD
  • the multiplication of sexual partners
  • the disadvantaged environment
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Symptoms

  • Unusual vaginal secretions (unusual white discharge), sticky and foul-smelling, and a strong fishy odour on exposure to semen.
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Consequences if undetected and untreated

  • disturbance of sexual life (related to the impression of a lack of hygiene)
  • increased risk of HIV acquisition
  • risks of amniotic fluid infection
  • risk of miscarriage. 
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Screening

Screening for vaginosis is done via a vaginal smear by a gynaecological professional (only if there are symptoms).

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Treatment

Vaginosis is treated with antibiotics (note: frequent recurrences regardless of sexual activity).