Bacterial vaginosis in adults

Contents

What is bacterial vaginosis
Useful information about bacterial vaginosis
Causes of bacterial vaginosis in adults
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis in adults
Effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis in adults
Popular questions and answers

When the microflora of the vagina is overweight in favor of “bad” bacteria, bacterial vaginosis occurs. Itching, irritation in the intimate area, copious discharge prevent a woman from living her usual life. What causes bacterial vaginosis and how to treat it

In a healthy vaginal microflora, there are about 40 types of microorganisms. Of these, about 90-95% are lactobacilli, the remaining 5-10% are opportunistic bacteria. Such an environment is called acidic (pH 4–4,5) and is considered the norm.

For a number of reasons, the number of lactobacilli in the vagina can decrease, and then the normal acidic pH environment can change to alkaline. In this case, conditionally pathogenic bacteria are activated and bacterial vaginosis develops. According to statistics, this pathology occupies one of the first places among vaginal diseases in the adult population.

What is bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a disease in which the number of lactobacilli in the normal microflora of the vagina decreases, and the volume of opportunistic microorganisms, on the contrary, increases. This pathology develops mainly in women of reproductive age.

It is noteworthy that there is no specific pathogen in bacterial vaginosis. The microflora that replaces lactobacilli can be different and is most often represented by opportunistic bacteria – gardnerella and microplasma.¹.

Useful information about bacterial vaginosis

What is forbidden to do if a diagnosis of “bacterial vaginosis” is made?	It is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse or use barrier contraception.
Do I need to see a doctor after treatment?	Yes. After treatment, an appearance is required 14 days after the cure.
What to do to avoid relapse?	Observe the rules of personal and sexual hygiene, avoiding excessive use of soap. Also, refuse synthetic underwear and douching.

Causes of bacterial vaginosis in adults

Factors that provoke a decrease in the number of lactobacilli include:

gynecological operations and abortions;
long-term use of antibacterial, antifungal, glucocorticosteroid drugs;
prolonged use of intrauterine and oral contraceptives;
low immunity;
excessive hygiene;
inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract².

Regular stress and prolonged depression can also lead to a change in the microflora of the vagina, and, as a result, bacterial vaginosis.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis in adults

Sometimes the signs of bacterial vaginosis are subtle or irregular. The main subjective symptoms include:

discomfort in the genital area;
pain during or after sexual intercourse;
burning, itching and pain when urinating.

Objective symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal thick white-gray discharge, accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis in adults

If the diagnosis is established correctly, and treatment is started in a timely manner, then the disease passes quickly and without complications. It is very important not to self-medicate, but immediately seek advice from a gynecologist.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis includes the following studies:

Gynecological examination with smear microscopy;
Determination of the pH of a vaginal smear using litmus paper;
Aminotest – the appearance of a “fishy” smell when the contents of a vaginal smear are mixed with an alkaline solution.

The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis can be made by identifying 3 out of 4 diagnostic criteria:

the pH of the vaginal microflora is more than 4,5;
detection of “key” cells (epithelial cells on which bacteria settled) during microscopic examination of a vaginal smear;
white-gray discharge from the genital tract with an unpleasant odor;
positive amino test.

Pills

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other antimicrobials to treat bacterial vaginosis.

1. Clindamycin

A broad-spectrum antibiotic that fights the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. It is used for diseases of the urogenital tract and other bacterial infections.

Противопоказания: pregnancy, lactation, myasthenia gravis, bronchial asthma, lactase deficiency, ulcerative colitis.

affordable price. They come in capsule form that is easy to swallow.

can provoke an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria. Affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing stomach pain and stool disorders.

2. Tinidazole

A drug with an antimicrobial effect, active against a wide range of bacteria and protozoa. The course of treatment is short – from 1 to 6 days. Released by prescription.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the drug, organic diseases of the central nervous system, 1st trimester of pregnancy, lactation³.

wide range of applications, efficiency.

bitterness in the mouth, changes in the taste of food, sometimes stomach pain.

3. Metronidazole

Effective in the treatment of bacterial and protozoal infections. During treatment, it is recommended to supplement the drug with vaginal suppositories with the same active ingredient. It is possible to take it for prophylactic purposes in the postoperative period. Enhances the effect of antibiotics, is used as prescribed by a doctor.

Противопоказания: organic diseases of the central nervous system, leukopenia, liver failure, 1st trimester of pregnancy and lactation.

budget drug

side effects in the form of dizziness, nausea, bitterness and dry mouth.

Candles

For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, suppositories with the same active ingredients are used – metronidazole, clindamycin. For the prevention of vaginosis, suppositories with lactobacilli are recommended.

1. Lactoginal

Available in the form of vaginal capsules. The drug compensates for the deficiency of lactobacilli in the vagina and creates a normal physiological environment, and also inhibits the reproduction of fungi. When the capsule is inserted into the vagina, the gelatin shell dissolves, releasing cultures of live bacteria.

Противопоказания: thrush, hypersensitivity to components.

effective in restoring microflora after antibiotic treatment, does not cause side effects, can be stored at room temperature.

high price.

2. Lactonorm

Release form – vaginal capsules, which, unlike suppositories, can be stored at room temperature. The drug is used in complex therapy against bacterial vaginosis and activates the growth of lactobacilli in vaginal mucus after antibiotic therapy.

Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Not recommended for thrush symptoms.

convenient small capsule, comfortable for injection. Effective for the prevention of bacterial vaginosis and therapy after antibiotic treatment.

leak and stain the laundry.

Creams and gels

All of the above antibacterial drugs – metronidazole, clindamycin – can be produced in the form of gels and creams. Important: the effect is achieved only in combination with taking tablets or vaginal suppositories.