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KEY Q&A
How do I know if I need to see my health care professional?
Pay attention to your body. If you experience symptoms, such as a change in the color and consistency of vaginal fluid, itching or burning, you probably have a vaginal infection, which, if left untreated, can lead to health complications.
What makes bacterial vaginosis (BV) serious for women who are pregnant?
Studies have shown that women with untreated BV are at higher risk of delivering prematurely or giving birth to a low-weight baby. Not all vaginal infections cause pregnancy problems, but BV is serious and requires attention. Screening and treatment is appropriate for pregnant women with symptomatic BV. Follow-up may be needed during the pregnancy.
Are all pregnant women treated for BV?
No. Regardless of other risk factors for pre-term delivery, all pregnant women with BV who have symptoms should be treated. However, treating pregnant women who test positive for BV but who don't have symptoms (asymptomatic)--is controversial. Generally, pregnant woman with asymptomatic BV don't require treatment
What are my chances of having BV come back?
As many as 30 percent of women who have been treated for BV experience recurrences within 90 days of treatment. Not finishing your prescribed medicine can lead to a recurrence.
Why does excessive douching increase the risk of developing BV?
The healthy vaginal ecosystem requires the right balance of bacteria flora. Nearly 95 percent of the vaginal mucous membrane, which protects against bacteria and other pathogens, is made up of healthy bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria make natural acids that keep unhealthy bacteria from getting out of hand. Too much douching can disrupt the bacterial balance and lead to infection.
Are there drugs that are not effective against BV?
Yes. Antibiotics that are not effective include ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline/doxycycline, triple sulfa and ciprofloxacin. In addition, vaginal creams and suppositories for treatment of "yeast" (Candida) infections do not treat BV.
Why is it important to determine what type of vaginitis I have?
BV, trichomoniasis and candidiasis (yeast infection) are caused by different pathogens and must be treated differently. Each type of infection requires a different treatment and some infections have more than one cause.
What about diagnosing and treating BV in men?
The organisms that cause BV in women do not persist in the male urethra. Clinical studies have shown that treating male partners with antibiotics doesn't affect a woman's risk of recurrence or her response to treatment.
