Affecting one in five women, vaginosis refers to a mild vaginal infection, caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. What are the symptoms to recognize it? And what are the treatments?
Bacterial vaginosis, or vaginosis, is a common condition that primarily affects women of childbearing age. It’s a imbalance of the vaginal flora, characterized by an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the vagina. What are the causes vaginosis? How to recognize it? What are the treatments to cure her? Is it a Transmitted Disease ?
Definition: what is vaginosis?
There vaginosis correspond to chronic inflammation of the vaginal mucosainner wall of this organ, frequently in the case ofan imbalance of the vaginal flora. The vaginal flora is composed of many germs present in the natural state, evolving in an acid environment, protective against infections. When this ecosystem is disturbed, vaginosis can appear.
What are the causes of vaginosis?
Vaginosis is frequently caused by bacteria that proliferate in the vaginal flora leads to an imbalance. It is characterized by the multiplication of germs such as Gardnerella vaginalis. There are several risk factors for this imbalance:
► “The fact of changing sexual partners regularly increases the risk of vaginosis and alters the balance of a woman’s vaginal flora“, warns Marie Bareaud.
► Excessive intimate hygiene (vaginal douching) and the use of scented products to cleanse can promote the imbalance of the vaginal flora.
What are the symptoms of vaginosis?
Vaginosis is often characterized by:
- of the abnormal and particularly malodorous vaginal discharge, “rotten fish” smell
- of the pain during sex
- of the vaginal itching and redness
- burning sensation or irritation
Vaginosis is an embarrassing condition, a source of discomfort, the consequences of which can be dangerous for affected women. “As soon as we feel pain during intercourse, itching, heavier discharge than usual and their texture changes, there are unusual smells, you have to go and consult“, warns Marie Bareaud, sexologist. Although vaginosis is more common in women, it is possible for men to carry bacteria associated with vaginosis without showing specific symptoms.
Prevention is above all a question of intimate hygiene.
What are the treatments for vaginosis?
A antibacterial treatment from an antibiotic in the form of eggsfrequently metronidazole, is generally effective. In parallel we can change your dietnotably reducing sugar or milk because they feed bad bacteria.
What is the difference between mycosis and vaginosis?
“Mycosis is caused by a fungus while vaginosis is more often due to a bacteriological imbalance of the vaginal flora. In a natural way, the bacteria present in our vagina protect us against infections on a daily basis, but when there is an imbalance and there is a proliferation of a bacterium then we arrive at vaginosis “explains the sexologist.
Is vaginosis a communicable disease?
Vaginosis cannot be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can make love in case of vaginosis because that it is not transmitted in principle.
If vaginosis is suspected, a potash test is realised. It is a test that is not painful at all. “It consists of taking vaginal secretions and examining them under a microscope. This examination must be carried out outside the rules and it is better not to have rinsed with soap before in order to have a better overview of the bacteria present“, suggests the specialist.
Prevention is above all a question of personal hygiene. “You can develop vaginosis precisely because you used too much intimate gel and stripping soaps that unbalance the flora. It is a question of washing simply in the morning and in the evening and this can be done only with water or with a very mild soap. Vaginal douching should be bannedit is not a question of scouring but of washing“, advises the sexologist. What makes it possible to avoid vaginosis is also to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight because when it is too hot in the sexual area, it encourages diseases. Especially at night , wear loose shorts or sleep naked to allow air to circulate.
Thanks to Marie Bareaud, sexologist in Nantes.