Bacterial Vaginosis Bumps: Symptoms and Treatment - Verywell Health
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection for women ages 15–44. It occurs from an imbalance of the "good" and "bad" bacteria that usually live in the vagina. The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a "fishy" foul-smelling discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis does not cause bumps, rashes, or lesions (sores). If you are experiencing these symptoms, you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and should see a healthcare provider.
This article reviews symptoms, similar conditions, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bacterial vaginosis.
FatCamera / Getty images
Risk Factors For Bacterial Vaginosis
The following factors increase your risk of BV:
- Douching regularly
- Having multiple sex partners
- Not using condoms
- Smoking
- Having vaginal sex with women (typically, both women get the infection)
- Pregnancy
BV is also more prevalent in Black and Hispanic populations.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Some women don't realize they have bacterial vaginosis because they do not have symptoms. For others, symptoms may be intermittent (come and go). When symptoms are present, the most common include:
- A strong fishy smelling vaginal discharge (often the strongest after vaginal sexual intercourse or menstruation).
- Increased vaginal discharge that is usually thin (and sometimes foamy), gray, greenish, yellow, or white.
Less common symptoms include:
- Vaginal discomfort
- Burning or itching in or outside of the vagina
- Burning while urinating
- Bleeding after intercourse
What Other Conditions Could It Be?
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that causes vaginal discharge or irritation. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginitis.
Other vaginal infections share symptoms such as vaginal irritation, increased discharge, or burning during urination, but can be distinguished by their characteristic symptoms. These include:
- Yeast infection: A yeast infection usually causes a thick or chunky (cottage cheese-like) vaginal discharge that does not have a foul odor.
- Vaginal atrophy: This results from a thinning in the vaginal tissues. It typically occurs after menopause when estrogen levels decrease and causes vaginal dryness, irritation, and burning.
- Noninfectious vaginitis: This is vaginal irritation caused by scented products such as vaginal sprays or detergents, spermicides, douches, or forgotten tampons.
- Trichomoniasis: This STI can cause a strong vaginal odor and a yellow-green, sometimes frothy, vaginal discharge. Sexual intercourse may also be painful.
- Chlamydia: Symptoms of this STI include foul-smelling discharge, bleeding between periods, painful sex, and abdominal (tummy) or pelvic (between the hips) pain.
- Gonorrhea: This STI can cause increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, painful urination, and pelvic pain.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Causes
About 70% of the time, abnormal vaginal discharge is caused by bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or STIs.
Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis
Your healthcare provider will start with a medical history, physical, and vaginal exam to diagnose BV. This is similar to a pelvic exam and Pap smear (exams you get during routine gynecological wellness checks).
During the exam, they use a cotton-tipped applicator (a long Q-tip) to get a sample of vaginal discharge. They test the pH (acidity) of the discharge and look at it under the microscope or send it to a lab.
Three of the four criteria must be met to diagnose bacterial vaginosis:
- pH above 4.5
- Thin increased vaginal discharge
- Fishy odor when 10% potassium solution is added to the discharge sample
- 20% or greater clue cells (fuzzy-looking cells that indicate bacteria)
If your healthcare provider suspects BV, they will also check for STIs. They do this by testing the vaginal sample or taking a blood or urine sample. Getting STIs is easier with BV, and both infections can be present simultaneously.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Before you have a vaginal exam, healthcare providers will likely give you instructions to help make sure you receive the most accurate diagnosis. Instructions typically include:
- Try not to schedule your exam while you are on your period.
- Do not have sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before the exam.
- Do not douche for 24 hours before your exam (most healthcare providers don't recommend douching at all).
- Try not to use any vaginal sprays or other irritants.
- Do not use tampons or put anything in your vagina (like a menstrual cup) before your appointment.
Treatment
It's important to see your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Even if the infection is mild, treatment is essential to reduce the risk of complications or contracting STDs. BV is typically treated with one of the following antibiotics:
Your healthcare provider may also consider:
Your healthcare provider may prescribe these medications as pills taken orally or as vaginal creams or gels. Sometimes, they will prescribe oral and vaginal medicines for you to take simultaneously, especially if it's a recurring infection.
Recurring Infections
About 50% of women get another infection within 12 months. If you are experiencing a recurring infection, your provider may increase the dose and amount of time you take the medications. They may also prescribe a maintenance dose of vaginal cream to prevent it from returning.
You must finish the medication anytime you are prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms go away. Stopping medication early can cause the infection to return or cause you to build up resistance to that antibiotic.
Complications Associated With BV
Though some cases of BV will go away on their own, treatment decreases the risk of serious complications, including:
Prevention
The following guidelines can prevent or reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis:
- Avoid douching
- Quit smoking
- Avoid highly fragranced soaps, detergents, sprays, or feminine hygiene products
- Wear underwear made with a breathable fabric, such as cotton
- Wipe from front to back after bathroom use
- Avoid intrauterine devices (IUDs) if you have a recurrent BV infection
Though bacterial vaginosis isn't sexually transmitted, it is linked to sexual activity. The following tips can help decrease the risk of bacterial vaginosis related to sexual activity:
- Use condoms or dental dams
- Avoid flavored condoms or lubricants
- Limit the number of sexual partners or abstain from sexual intercourse
- Avoid vaginal contact with anything that has touched your anus
- Clean sex toys after every use
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection resulting from an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria in the vagina. Though it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is linked to sexual activity. BV does not cause bumps, sores, or rashes.
Multiple vaginal infections can cause vaginal irritation. BV is characterized by increased and foul-smelling or "fishy" vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is usually thin (and sometimes foamy), gray, greenish, yellow, or white.
BV is typically treated with oral or vaginal antibiotics. Healthcare providers may also include probiotics or boric acid. Prevention includes avoiding douching or introducing products that cause an imbalance of pH (acidity) in the vagina and using precautions during sexual intercourse.
A Word From Verywell
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection; many women have had it at least once. Talking about symptoms with your healthcare provider may feel embarrassing, but telling them to receive early treatment and decrease the risk of complications is essential. Bumps in the vaginal area may indicate other STIs and should be discussed with and diagnosed by your healthcare provider.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ProfilePictureVerywell-382fc2934d094ccca87fb8df24aff298.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment