Patient information: Bacterial vaginosis

INTRODUCTION

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women. It can cause bothersome symptoms, and also increases the risk of acquiring serious sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. It may be difficult to know if discharge is caused by BV or other common vaginal infections, thus a visit with a healthcare provider is recommended in most cases. (See "Patient information: Vaginal discharge in adults".)

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS CAUSES

BV occurs when there is a change in the number and types of bacteria in the vagina. Lactobacilli are a type of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina. In women with BV, the number of lactobacilli is reduced. The reason for these changes is not known.

Risk factors — Risk factors for BV include multiple or new sexual partners, douching, and cigarette smoking. Although sexual activity can increase the risk of developing BV, BV can occur in women who have never had vaginal intercourse. BV is not thought to be a sexually transmitted infection.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Approximately 50 to 75 percent of women with BV have no symptoms. Those with symptoms often note an unpleasant, "fishy smelling" vaginal discharge that is more noticeable after sexual intercourse. Vaginal discharge that is off-white and thin may also be present.

Pain during urination or sex, vulvar itching, redness, and swelling are not typical. Occasionally, BV causes an abnormal cervical discharge and easy bleeding (such as after sexual intercourse).

If you have concerns about excessive or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, or vulvar irritation, see a healthcare provider. Self-treatment with over-the-counter products (eg, yeast creams, deodorants) is not recommended without a definite diagnosis.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of BV is based upon a physical examination and laboratory testing. The physical examination usually includes a pelvic examination, which allows the healthcare provider to observe and test vaginal secretions. It can be difficult to know, without an examination and testing, if vaginal discharged is caused by BV or another vaginal infection.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS COMPLICATIONS

BV itself is not harmful, although it has been associated with some health problems.

• Pregnant women with BV are at higher risk of preterm delivery (see 'Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy' below.
• Untreated BV in a woman who undergoes hysterectomy or abortion can lead to infection of the surgical site.
• BV increases the risk of becoming infected with and spreading HIV.
• BV increases the risk that a woman will become infected with genital herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. (See "Patient information: Genital herpes" and "Patient information: Gonorrhea" and "Patient information: Chlamydia".)

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS TREATMENT

Treatment of BV is usually recommended. There are two prescription medications used for the treatment of BV: metronidazole and clindamycin. Both medications can be taken in pill form by mouth, or with a gel or cream that is inserted inside the vagina. Oral medication may be more convenient, but causes more side effects.

If symptoms improve after treatment, a follow up visit is not necessary.

Metronidazole — Metronidazole vaginal gel is one of the most effective treatments; it is applied inside the vagina at bedtime for five days. Metronidazole can also be taken in pill form, 500 mg twice daily for seven days. The choice of pill versus vaginal gel depends upon the woman's preference. In general, there are fewer side effects with the vaginal treatment.

Side effects of oral metronidazole include a metallic taste, nausea, and a temporary lowered blood count. You should not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole pills due to the risk of a serious interaction, which can cause flushing, nausea, thirst, palpitations, chest pain, vertigo, and low blood pressure. Metronidazole pills also interact with warfarin (Coumadin®), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. The vaginal gel does not cause these side effects.

Clindamycin — Clindamycin is a cream that is inserted into the vagina at bedtime for seven days. A one-day vaginal clindamycin cream and three day vaginal ovule are also available. Clindamycin cream should not be used with latex condoms due to the risk of condom breakage.

Clindamycin can also be taken by mouth, 300 mg twice daily for seven days.

Sexual partners — It is not necessary to treat the sexual partner of a woman with BV. Treating the sexual partner does not improve the woman's symptoms or decrease the risk of the infection coming back.

Relapse and recurrent infection — Approximately 30 percent of women who initially improve after treatment have a recurrence of BV symptoms within three months, and more than 50 percent have a recurrence of symptoms within 12 months. It is not clear why this occurs, although it may be related to bacteria that were not completely treated or lack of a normal level of protective lactobacilli. (See 'Bacterial vaginosis causes' above, for an explanation of the role of lactobacilli).

Relapse can be treated with a prolonged course of oral or vaginal metronidazole or clindamycin for 10 to 14 days; the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests a treatment regimen different from the initial or previous treatment regimen (eg, oral treatment if vaginal treatment used previously).

If you've had more than three episodes of BV in the past 12 months, you may benefit from a preventive treatment. This may include vaginal metronidazole gel twice weekly for three to six months. Clindamycin (oral or vaginal) is not usually recommended as a preventive treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy — Pregnant women with BV are at increased risk of preterm birth. However, there is no benefit to testing and/or treating all pregnant women for BV unless the woman has symptoms of infection. Some experts recommend testing all pregnant women who have a history of a previous preterm delivery.

Pregnant women with symptoms of BV infection are usually treated. Oral treatment with seven days of metronidazole is preferred over vaginal treatments.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS PREVENTION

The best way to prevent BV is not known. However, a few basic recommendations can be made.

• Do not douche. Douching is the use of a solution to rinse the inside of the vagina. Some women douche to feel "clean", although there is no proven benefit of douching. The vagina is normally able to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria; douching can upset this balance and potentially flush harmful bacteria into the upper genital tracts (uterus, fallopian tubes).
• Limit the number of sexual partners. Women with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections.
• Finish the entire course of treatment for BV, even if the symptoms resolve after a few doses.

SUMMARY

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause "fishy smelling" vaginal discharge, which may be worse after sex. Some women do not have this discharge.
• BV is not a sexually transmitted infection. Sexual partners do not need to be treated.
• Do not treat yourself for abnormal vaginal discharge. A doctor or nurse should first perform an exam to determine the reason for the discharge.
• Several prescription medications are available to treat BV; some are vaginal gels or creams while others are pills that you take by mouth. Pills may be more convenient, but usually cause side effects (nausea, metallic-taste).
• Some women develop BV repeatedly. A treatment may be recommended to prevent infections. This includes a vaginal gel twice per week for three to six months.
• Pregnant women with BV infection should be treated. This usually includes pills that are taken by mouth.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. Because no two people are exactly alike and recommendations can vary from one person to another, it is important to seek guidance from a provider who is familiar with your individual situation.

This discussion will be updated as needed every four months on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Additional topics as well as selected discussions written for healthcare professionals are also available for those who would like more detailed information.

Some of the most pertinent include:

Patient Level Information:
Patient information: Vaginal discharge in adults
Patient information: Genital herpes
Patient information: Gonorrhea
Patient information: Chlamydia

Professional Level Information:
Bacterial vaginosis
Cervicitis
Chronic and acute causes of vaginal discharge other than bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, or trichomoniasis
Diagnostic approach to women with vaginal discharge or vulvovaginal symptoms
Pathogenesis of and risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases

A number of web sites have information about medical problems and treatments, although it can be difficult to know which sites are reputable. Information provided by the National Institutes of Health, national medical societies and some other well-established organizations are often reliable sources of information, although the frequency with which they are updated is variable.

• National Library of Medicine

      (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html)

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

      (www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/vaginitis/index.htm)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

      (www.cdc.gov/STD/BV/default.htm)

• American Social Health Association

      (www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_vag_trich_bv.cfm)

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