Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is problematic enough, but if it takes a chronic form, it’s certainly curtains for you! And if you think it can happen only to other women, think again. Any woman, especially of childbearing age, is at risk of developing this infection. In fact, between ten and sixty-five percent of the female population is thought to have it, and of these, almost sixteen percent are expectant mothers. Women who are sexually active also appear to be at the greatest risk of developing this condition.

Bacterial vaginosis is generally caused by the alteration of pH or acidity of the vagina, which allows the ‘harmful’ bacteria to grow unchecked. Chronic bacterial vaginosis occurs when you neglect the infection at its very onset and leave the condition untreated.

Risks of chronic bacterial vaginosis

Although the common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are an abnormally thick or thin vaginal discharge, itching on the vaginal lips, burning during urination, and the like, most women just don’t display any symptoms. This can make it difficult for women to know if they’re infected. When the symptoms ultimately appear, they’ll already be in the chronic stage. Those who do display these symptoms must be prompt in treating bacterial vaginosis. Neglecting to do so is certain to complicate matters and lead to the chronic stage.

If you’ve chronic bacterial vaginosis you’ll increase your risk of the following:

• Developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Permanently affect fertility.
• Cause serious damage to fallopian tubes by the bacteria travelling from the vagina to the uterus, leading to future ectopic pregnancies or complete infertility.
• Contracting HIV from an infected partner.
• Passing on HIV to a sexual partner.
• Contracting STD, like gonorrhea or Chlamydia, since chronic bacterial vaginosis may be linked to human papillomavirus and venereal wart viruses.

If you’re pregnant, chronic bacterial vaginosis can cause some severe complications like:

• Increased chances of complications connected with pregnancy.
• Increased chances of preterm labor.
• Increased risk of low birth weight baby.

Diagnosis and bacterial vaginosis treatment

The tools of diagnosing remain the same for both the normal and chronic bacterial vaginosis. It involves a simple pelvic examination by the physician, who generally takes a swab of the vaginal secretions. This swab is then analyzed for the presence of the bacteria that causes this infection.

For chronic bacterial vaginosis cure, the physician will generally prescribe a course of antibiotics. These antibiotics are either taken orally or vaginally and help to restore bacterial balance in your vagina. Treatment is the same for both pregnant and non-pregnant women; however, dosage may vary depending upon specific cases. An important point to remember is to finish the entire course of medicine, even if all of the symptoms have disappeared.

Natural home remedies are usually not recommended for chronic cases, simply because they’re of a milder nature. However, if you find you’re intolerant to antibiotics, try out some alternative treatment methods. Yogurt and tea tree oil can help kill the ‘harmful’ bacteria while promoting good bacteria. Simply apply plain yogurt directly to your vagina or insert tea tree oil suppositories, and wait for the results. These are especially good for recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

Although bacterial vaginosis treatment is available, many women with vaginosis symptoms do not see a physician and many others who don’t have the symptoms decline treatment. Remember, this infection doesn’t go away on its own and can take the form of chronic bacterial vaginosis in some. So, if you suspect anything abnormal in your genital area, see you physician right away and continue to communicate with him or her to avoid any further complications.