What are the complications of bacterial vaginosis?
Many women (about 85% of those affected) with bacterial vaginosis actually have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, vaginal discharge and odor are the predominant symptoms. Usually, there are no other symptoms. The amount of vaginal discharge that is considered normal varies from woman to woman. Therefore, any degree of vaginal discharge that is abnormal for a particular woman should be evaluated.
Some women may experience an unpleasant fishy odor with vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually thin and grayish white. The discharge is often more noticeable after sexual intercourse.
A very interesting thing is that while the bacterial vaginosis is not considered contagious, having multiple sexual partners increases the chances a woman will get ill. It is possible that the exchange of bacteria between people can harm the balance and trigger the disease. On the other hand, bacterial vaginosis is also affecting single women, so the causes are diverse.
A specific complication that can affect women suffering of bacterial vaginosis occurs during pregnancy. The results are nasty and they include premature birth, premature labor, infection of the uterus and infection of the amniotic fluid. It is highly debatable if screening and treatment for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is required in the absence of the any symptoms. The problem is that screening of pregnant women when there is no reason to suspect the bacterial vaginosis (BV) doesn’t deliver results. The treatment didn’t result in less premature births, and only women who have a record of premature births might benefit of preemptive screening and treatment.
With the complications being fairly rare but still very problematic when they occur it is only natural to look for a way to deal with the causes. Trying to prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a tall order and so far there is no definitive answer on what should be done to avoid getting this disease. All that is known for sure is that the women who have new or multiple sex partners are more vulnerable, so the prevention methods revolve around these facts. Abstinence is probably the safest method but if it is not an option, than limiting the number of sex partners should help. Furthermore it is recommended not to douche and when you get bacterial vaginosis, follow the medication to the letter even if the symptoms have vanished.