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4 Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms To Look Out For

An upset woman

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that at least 21.2 million women have. It’s not an infection that is harmful by itself, though it can lead to a number of additional issues if not appropriately treated.

Anywhere from 50 to 75% of women suffering from bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. Here’s everything you need to know about the infection:

What Are The Symptoms?

Here’s how you can tell if you have bacterial vaginosis:

  • White or gray watery vaginal discharge
  • You will feel pain and itching inside and outside the vagina
  • You might feel a burning sensation while urinating
  • The vaginal discharge will have a fishy smell

What Causes It?

Bacterial vaginosis happens when there is an imbalance between the good and harmful bacteria around a vagina.

Research hasn’t been able to conclusively indicate exactly what causes bacterial vaginosis. However, testing has indicated that it happens more commonly in sexually active women while rarely happening in women who've never had sex.

Bacterial vaginosis is not the kind of infection that can spread from person to person. So if you've been in close contact with someone who has it, it doesn't mean that you'll get it too.

How Is It Cured?

Bacterial vaginosis is sometimes cured on its own. However, if you've faced some of the above symptoms, then it's best to speak to a doctor about it, as you may require a prescription to recover from it.

What If It’s Not Treated?

While it sometimes clears away on its own, bacterial vaginosis can lead to other medical issues if not treated properly.

For example, bacterial vaginosis has been known to increase one’s susceptibility to catching an HIV infection. It can also put you at higher risk of contracting STIs such as herpes or gonorrhea.

One of the biggest complications caused by bacterial vaginosis includes pregnancy issues. Some of those are:

  • Premature delivery of the baby
  • Loss of child before childbirth
  • It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can make it very difficult to have children
  • IVF has a lower chance of success if the woman has bacterial vaginosis.
A woman getting an online doctor consultation and prescription

How To Prevent It From Happening?

  • Reduce the number of sexual partners, and try to practice safe sex as much as possible
  • Complete the entire treatment course prescribed by the doctor
  • Wipe gently after going to the toilet.

Book An Online Doctor Visit Today

If you’ve felt any of the above symptoms, book an appointment with TelMDCare for just $35 today. One of our virtual online doctors will diagnose your issue and provide you with a prescription if needed.

Call us for more information and take a look at all the conditions that we treat.