Why Your Vagina Has A Fishy Odor.

Overview

If your vagina has a fishy odor, you have BV (Bacterial vaginosis), BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. The changes can lead to a vaginal discharge, itching, and a fishy smell. It sounds pretty gross, but bacterial vaginosis is actually considered relatively common.

According to the CDC, about one in five women has it at some point in her life. The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is still unclear, but there are a number of factors that may contribute to its development including the use of antibiotics.

Bacteria Vaginosis also called Vaginal Bacteriosis. It is a type of Vagina inflammation that results from the change in the normal balance of vaginal bacterial (overgrowth). It can affect women of any reproductive age.  If untreated it could lead to problems that will affect conception and pregnancy.

The cause of the vaginal bacteria overgrowth is not clear. Unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, or a change of sexual partner could increase the risk of the infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it would increase the risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

Though some individual may not show symptoms, Symptoms that indicate BV includes:

  • Fishy Odor from the vagina.
  • Grey or White vagina discharge.
  • A watery or thin vagina discharge.
  • Itchy vagina
  • Burning sensation during urination.

Causes Of Bacteria Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by a change in the balance of the vaginal bacteria. Usually, lactobacilli bacteria outnumber anaerobic bacteria, but if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis.

Result Of Untreated Bacterial Vaginosis.

  • It Increases the Risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases: it makes women susceptible to pelvic inflammatory disease, infection of uterus and fallopian tube, which could lead to infertility.
  • Early delivery: Bacteria Vaginosis could cause preterm birth and low weight birth babies.
  • It Increases the risk Of Sexually Transmitted Infections: BV makes you susceptible to Sexually Transmitted Infection STIs like Gonorrhea, herpes et Cetra.
  • Chorioamnionitis: it is the inflammation of the chorion and amnion surrounding the fetus.
  • It Increases the risk of post-surgical infections after a termination hysterectomy.
  • Loss of pregnancy.
  • Postpartum endometritis.
  • Damage of fallopian tubes.
  • Early breakage of the amniotic sac.

Risk Activities

  • Smoking.
  • Douching: Cleansing the vagina with a rinsing agent(douche) could disturb the natural balance of the vaginal Bacteria. The vagina is self cleaning, douching isn’t necessary.
  • Sexual Activities: If you are sexually active, have multiple Sexually partners, a new sex partner, you are susceptible to Bacteria Vaginosis.
  • Drinking Antibiotics without Doctors prescription will disturb the balance of the vagina.
  • Lack of lactobacilli bacteria: When the vaginal environment doesn’t produce enough lactobacilli bacteria, you’re more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment For Bacteria Vaginosis

When you notice symptoms of bacteria Vaginosis, Go to your doctor.

Here is a list of Antibiotic Doctors use to treat Bacteria Vaginosis:

  • Metronidazole: It is an effective Antibiotic for treating BV. It comes in form of tablets and gels
  • Clindamycin: It is an alternative Antibiotic, it is used if metronidazole is not effective or the infection recurs. Do not use Clindamycin with barrier contraceptives.
  • Tinidazole: It is an alternative Antibiotic, it is used if metronidazole is not effective or the infection recurs. Avoid alcohol during treatment.

Note: BV often clears up without treatment, but if you show signs and symptoms, seek treatment to avoid complications.

Treatment may not be needed if there are no symptoms. Sometimes BV can appear and disappear for no apparent reason.

Prevention Tips

  • Use protections during sexual intercourse.
  • Be consistent with a sexual partner.
  • Avoid the use of douche and other feminine cleansing agents.
  • Stop smoking.

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