Bacterial Vaginosis And Sex

Bacterial Vaginosis And Sex

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when some normal bacteria that lives in the vagina overgrows, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms include an off-white or grey vaginal discharge that smells “fishy.” In some women, BV goes away without treatment, in others, antibiotics successfully treat this infection.

Centers for Disease Control. Bacterial Vaginosis Fact Sheet. (https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm) Accessed 6/3/2020.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginitis. (https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/vaginitis) Accessed 6/3/2020.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Bacterial Vaginosis. (https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis) Accessed 6/3/2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis. (https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv) Accessed 6/3/2020.
Koumans EH, Sternberg M, Bruce C, McQuillan G, Kendrick, J, Sutton M, Markowitz LE. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the United States, 2001–2004; Associations With Symptoms, Sexual Behaviors, and Reproductive Health. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, (https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/Fulltext/2007/11000/The_Prevalence_of_Bacterial_Vaginosis_in_the.6.aspx) November 2007;34(11):864-9. Accessed 6/3/2020.
Kairys N, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/) In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Accessed 6/3/2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Statistics. (https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stats.htm) Accessed 6/3/2020.

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. It is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge that occurs in reproductive-age women (women who have not gone through menopause yet).
Bacterial vaginosis may cause a "fishy" odor and cause vaginal irritation in some women. Others may not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis is associated with poor obstetrics and gynecologic outcomes such as preterm delivery, infection after surgeries such as a hysterectomy, and may make a woman more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV .

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal problem for women ages 15 to 44. In fact, an estimated one in three American women will get BV. The rate is higher in black women.
Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis (BV), even if you haven’t had sex. But that’s rare. It usually occurs in people who are sexually active. You may have a higher risk of getting BV if you:
Your vagina is home to multiple types of bacteria (called a microbiome), just like your digestive system. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when some of the vaginal bacteria grow more quickly than others. Too much of one type of bacteria leads to an imbalance.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) doesn’t spread from person to person, but sexual activity can increase your risk of getting the infection.
Bacterial vaginosis isn’t sexually transmitted, but it is linked with sexual activity. Researchers think that sex may change the bacterial environment in your vagina. This makes bacterial overgrowth more likely.
Up to 84% of people with bacterial vaginosis (BV) don’t have symptoms. If you do, you may have:
BV symptoms are similar to other infections. It’s important to visit your healthcare provider to determine if what you have is BV or another vaginal infection.
Both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are vaginal infections that increase discharge. Here’s how you can tell the difference:
During an exam, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from your vagina. Healthcare providers view the fluid under a microscope, test it in the office or send it to the lab for analysis.
In one-third of cases, bacterial vaginosis (BV) resolves on its own without any medications. However, if you have symptoms, you should seek medical care. Having BV makes you prone to sexually transmitted infections and can affect pregnancy.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics , typically metronidazole or clindamycin . These medications come in a gel or cream you insert into your vagina. They also come in pills you can take orally.
There are no over-the-counter products to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). Avoid using douches or products meant for yeast infections, which could make BV worse. See your healthcare provider for treatment.
Because bacterial vaginosis (BV) isn’t fully understood, there are no foolproof ways of avoiding it. These steps may reduce your risk:
Most of the time, one round of antibiotics — taken for up to seven days — eliminates the infection. About 10% to 15% of people need another round of treatment.
Yes. Up to 80% of women may get bacterial vaginosis again.
If you have bacterial vaginosis (BV), your provider can prescribe medication that’s safe to use during pregnancy. You should get treated for the infection whether or not you have symptoms. BV can cause pregnancy complications, such as early delivery or having a baby that weighs less than average.
Male partners don’t need to be treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV). If you have a female partner, she may have BV too. It’s important to let her know so she can get treatment.
Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, it can make you vulnerable to more serious conditions. Don’t put off seeing your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. A simple course of antibiotics could set things straight.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/05/2020.

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It’s time for a vaginal health refresher.
The last time you learned about the pH scale, skinny jeans and side parts were still in — and you're due for a refresher on vaginal health. Whether you've been diagnosed with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or feeling a little off, having sex with Bacterial Vaginosis is likely on your mind.
According to Dr. Sherry A. Ross , women’s health expert, BV is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which disrupts the pH balance of your vagina . The harmful bacteria arise from changes in your vaginal chemistry, resulting from having unprotected sex, having sex with new partners, taking certain antibiotics, or vaginal douching or washing with harsh chemicals. (It's important to note that changes in your vaginal pH can also just happen for no real "reason," and you can get BV if you've never had sex or aren't currently having sex.)
While some may never experience vaginal symptoms of BV, others may experience itching, burning, redness, and irregular discharge. Although BV is not technically an STI , Dr. Ross shares it can be mistaken as one because the symptoms look so similar.
"There are many infections of the vagina whose symptoms mimic each other, so determining the culprit can be confusing," Dr. Ross tells Bustle. "Ideally, it’s best to see your health care provider and get a vaginal culture and pelvic exam to make certain of the correct diagnosis."
Dr. Ross says that BV can sometimes go away on its own, but if you test positive for it, or if your symptoms are causing you pain and discomfort, BV can be treated with prescription creams or medications.
BV can often be recurrent , meaning you may need to treat it multiple times. Although most BV cases will not cause further vaginal or reproductive problems, Dr. Ross shares that if untreated, BV can make you more prone to contracting STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease, which ultimately can lead to problems with fertility.
"If you test positive for BV, it should be treated, especially if symptomatic," Dr. Ross says. "It's important to make your vagina a priority!"
If you're currently experiencing vaginal symptoms from BV, like burning or swelling, Dr. Ross says that having sex will likely make the discomfort worse. Even if you're not experiencing symptoms but recently tested positive for BV, Dr. Ross suggests hitting pause on getting it on.
"I recommend treating the infection before having sex," Dr. Ross says. "The treatment typically takes five days to be effective.'"
Because sex can increase your risk of contracting BV and further disrupting your vaginal pH, Dr. Ross suggests not having sex until your BV is fully treated. To ensure the infection is completely gone, Dr. Ross recommends getting a follow-up culture two weeks after your treatment is complete.
Once your symptoms clear up and your vaginal culture is negative for BV, Dr. Ross shares you should be OK to have sex again. Though you may want to look into the products you use around your vagina (like lubes and soaps) to make sure you're not putting irritants in your body.
If you're still experiencing pain and discomfort after treatment, Dr. Ross urges you to talk to your doctor before having sex. Even though you may be in the mood, getting frisky will likely make the pain worse.
Vaginal health issues can be stressful, but Dr. Ross reiterates BV is super common. If you’re experiencing some symptoms, booking a vaginal culture and pelvic exam can help you get answers and relief.
Dr. Sherry A. Ross , women’s health expert, Lady Parts co-host, author, and co-founder of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina.

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Is it harmful to have sex if I have a vaginal infection?
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Sobel JD. Approach to women with symptoms of vaginitis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 18, 2019.
Trichomoniasis — CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm. Accessed Dec. 18, 2019.
Lobo RA, et al. Genital tract infections. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 18, 2019.
Workowski KA, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2015; https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm. Accessed Dec. 18, 2019.

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Sex during vaginal infection Is it harmful

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Having sex when you have a vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation may be uncomfortable and might make your symptoms worse. If the source of your infection is a sexually transmitted infection, you may also spread the infection to your partner. If you have chronic yeast infections (candidiasis), confirmed by a doctor, you may have sex without concern for worsening symptoms as long as you're comfortable.
The most common causes of vaginal infection are:
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis aren't sexually transmitted infections, but having new sexual partners increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
However, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection. To prevent possible reinfection, wait to have intercourse until you and your partner complete treatment and you no longer have symptoms.
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BV is a vaginal dysbiosis resulting from replacement of normal hydrogen peroxide and lactic-acid–producing Lactobacillus species in the vagina with high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria, including G. vaginalis , Prevotella species, Mobiluncus species, A. vaginae , and other BV-associated bacteria. A notable feature is the appearance of a polymicrobial biofilm on vaginal epithelial cells ( 970 ). Certain women experience transient vaginal microbial changes, whereas others experience them for longer intervals ( 971 ). BV is a highly prevalent condition and the most common cause of vaginal discharge worldwide ( 972 ). However, in a nationally representative survey, the majority of women with BV were asymptomatic ( 310 ).
BV is associated with having multiple male sex partners, female partners, sexual relationships with more than one person ( 973 ), a new sex partner, lack of condom use ( 974 ), douching ( 975 , 976 ), and HSV-2 seropositivity ( 977 ). Male circumcision reduces the risk for BV among women ( 978 ). In addition, BV prevalence increases during menses ( 979 , 980 ). Women who have never been sexually active are rarely affected ( 981 ). The cause of the microbial alteration that precipitates BV is not fully understood, and whether BV results from acquisition of a single sexually transmitted pathogen is unknown. BV prevalence has been reported to increase among women with copper-containing IUDs ( 972 , 982 ). Hormonal contraception does not increase risk for BV ( 983 ) and might protect against BV development ( 983 , 984 ). Vitamin D deficiency has not been reported to be a risk factor for BV ( 985 ).
Women with BV are at increased risk for STI acquisition, such as HIV, N. gonorrhoeae , C. trachomatis , T. vaginalis ( 977 ), M. genitalium ( 986 ), HPV ( 987 ), and HSV-2 ( 988 ); complications after gynecologic surgery; complications of pregnancy; and recurrence of BV ( 971 , 989 – 991 ). BV also increases HIV infection acquisition ( 992 ) because specific BV-associated bacteria can increase susceptibility to HIV ( 993 , 994 ) and
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