Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis, also known as smelly discharge, means that the protective lactic acid bacteria have been pushed aside or become less effective. You may notice the symptoms in connection with your period or after unprotected sex, and you may get the feeling that the symptoms come and go.

Causes to bacterial vaginosis

Menstruation

It is common that bacterial vaginosis occurs in connection with menstruation. That is because the body’s estrogen level is at its lowest during that time, which means that the natural growth of the protective lactic acid bacteria is lower compared to otherwise. When the number of lactic acid bacteria decreases it causes the pH value to rise and create an imbalance. This in turn makes it easier for harmful bacteria to start growing which can cause bacterial vaginosis.

Pregnancy or menopause

Just like during the period, the hormone levels change during pregnancy or in connection with menopause. This means that the vaginal flora can become unbalanced, which makes the vagina extra susceptible to harmful bacteria.

Excessive vaginal hygiene

Our modern lifestyle means that many wash the vulva too often. The recommendation is not to wash it more than once a day because otherwise you risk washing away the protective lactic acid bacteria. It is also important to think about what you clean the vulva with. To just use water is absolutely enough , but if you want to use something more than that, it is important to use a pH-balanced cleaner. That is, a cleaner that has the same pH value as the vulva, around pH 5. The vagina, on the other hand, should not be cleaned, not even with water. That is because it cleans itself with the help of your discharges – fantastic, isn’t it?

Sex

Regardless of whether you have sex with a partner with a penis or a vulva, there is a risk that the vaginal flora will end up out of balance. Any type of sex that involves your and your partner’s mucous membrane in the mouth, vagina or anus coming into contact with each other carries a risk of bacteria being transferred. In addition, the seminal fluid, i.e. the semen, has a slightly basic pH value which can upset the pH balance and in turn cause bacterial vaginosis.

Smelly discharge

The most common symptoms are smelly discharge. Discharges are usually not completely odorless but the smell of the dscharge when having bacterial vaginosis is quite noticeable and can remind you of rotten fish. It’s common to feel that the smell is worst right after sex or during menstruation. Therefore, many women experience that the problems come and go.

Other symptoms:

• Grey/yellow discharge
• Thin, watery discharge. You don’t usually experience increased discharge in bacterial vaginosis
• If you feel itching and burning at the opening to the vagina, this could be a sign that you also have a vaginal yeast infection. For many women, bacterial vaginosis does not cause any symptoms, however.

Seek help

It is important that you seek help from a gynecologist or health centre if you are experiencing vaginal discomfort so that you can get the right help. For more information read the Healthcare Guide 1177.