Outside of biology class, how well do you know your vaginal health? If you were to take a quick quiz on this part of your anatomy, how well would you do? Well, if you haven’t taken too much interest, it is time to do so.
You should know upfront that the vagina is susceptible to many infections. These include yeast, bacterial, and viral attacks. The tricky part is that the reasons for the infections are so many. One of the most common is sexually transmitted diseases.
The vaginal environment also plays host to so many microorganisms. There should be no problem if there is a healthy balance. But, sometimes, the bacteria or fungus experience an overgrowth leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
Our article will explore BV and whether you should treat it during pregnancy.
Bacteria Vaginosis (BV): What Is It?
Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation that arises due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. As we stated in the introduction, the vagina hosts different organisms, amongst them bacteria.
Like in the human world, there are good and bad guys. As long as both are at optimal levels, there will be no problem. But, sometimes, the bad/harmful bacteria will overgrow and start killing off the good guys. That is when you will begin to notice that things are not quite right down there.
A CDC report shows that BV is the main culprit behind most vaginal symptoms. In the US, 29.2%, or 21.2 million women ages 14 to 49, will experience BV. 84% will not report any symptoms whatsoever. You don’t have to have had any type of sex, whether oral, anal, or vaginal, to get BV.
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The symptoms of BV include:-
- Intense itching and burning
- An unpleasant smelling discharge that is watery and white/grey in color. You may also notice a fishy odor.
- Burning sensation during coitus or urination.
The itching, burning and irritation can make your life a nightmare. You can get fast relief for the symptoms with over the counter bacterial vaginosis treatment. You can also use probiotic supplements to restore the pH balance.
So what do you need to know about BV in pregnancy?
Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy
Remember, up to 84% of women will not show any symptoms of BV. There is one other fact we did not mention. BV can resolve without any treatment. But, like a malingering enemy, this does not mean it has left your body entirely. You could be pregnant with bacterial vaginosis, and not even know you have it.
In the best scenario, if we can call it that, you will have experienced some of the symptoms we have shared above. A test shows that, indeed, your pH level is higher than the 4.5 it should be.
One of the main issues during pregnancy is the reduction in amylase levels. Amylase is an enzyme that breaks up carbohydrates to produce glycogen.
Glycogen is the main food that healthy bacteria (lactobacillus) feed on. So, the beneficial bacteria will not thrive without food, allowing the harmful bacteria to run rampant. Pregnancy-related hormonal imbalances can also be to blame.
The first question you may have is, does BV need to be treated? The answer is yes. It is vital to get bacterial vaginosis treatment as soon as possible.
How BV Can Affect Pregnancy?
The CDC reports that about 1 million pregnant women will experience a bout of BV every year. Some of the dangers are premature births at less than 37 weeks. Your baby could also have a low birth weight at less than 5lbs, 8 oz. The risk of severe health problems for your baby increases quite a bit.
Will BV always have negative impacts on pregnancy? The answer is NO. Some women with BV will carry out normal pregnancies. Remember, sometimes the situation will resolve on its own.
But, if you have BV and are pregnant, getting immediate bacterial vaginosis treatment is crucial. You would rather not wager that you may be the lucky percentage that experiences no effects or pregnancy risks.
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment in Pregnancy
If you suspect BV, please seek medical treatment. The doctors will ask a series of questions and perform a pelvic exam. Exacerbating factors will be multiple partners, existing STIs, and other vaginal infections. There will also be a sample collection for microscopic examinations. Beyond this, the doctor may also check the pH levels in your vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis treatment will typically involve an antibiotic. The doctor may prescribe tinidazole, flagyl, and other effective ones. But, the challenge of using antibiotics is that they do not discriminate against good and bad bacteria. Indeed the use of such may have severe consequences on young kids and pregnant women. Relatively safer way is to use probiotics for yeast infections.
The chances of a recurrence of BV after a course of antibiotics is also quite high. If this is the only treatment option, please make sure you take the entire course of treatment. Stopping treatment early could lead to drug resistance in the future.
Can I Treat BV Without Antibiotics?
Yes, you can use different ways to restore the healthy bacteria balance. Taking probiotics that have micronutrients like zinc, iron, and manganese is an option worth trying.
You can also take probiotics that contain sucrose gel, lactobacilli, and lactic acid. You can easily access the probiotic supplement from specialty stores, health stores, and pharmacies.
Other treatments you can try are garlic for its antibacterial properties. Boric suppositories can also provide some relief.
Should You Have Sex If You Have BV?
BV can spread in female-to-female contact. Men will typically not need any treatment. Allow yourself sufficient time to heal completely before resuming coitus.
Even after BV treatment in pregnancy, keep monitoring your vaginal health. It is critical to ensure you are in good health throughout the pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
From the above, it is clear that you should not leave BV untreated during pregnancy. Do not ignore the associated risks of the infection. Preterm births and low birth rates could lead to long-term complications for the baby.
Let’s also not forget that pregnancy is a difficult time, and you need to be as comfortable as possible. Dealing with burning, irritation, and a fishy odor from your privates can add to the stress. If you suspect BV, get a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Continue to keep a close watch because the condition can recur.
