Almost 50% of women who have bacterial vaginosis don’t experience any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you might notice a thin, white or gray discharge with a foul smell. This odor is often strongest after sex, because of the combination of semen and discharge. You might also have burning or irritation around your genitals after urinating.
The occurrence of BV (bacterial vaginosis) while pregnant increases the risk of preterm birth, which can result in low birth weight or infection of the uterus after delivery. However, the relationship between BV and pregnancy is not yet clear. Medical experts don’t have a proper response as to why pregnant mothers who have BV deliver their child prematurely. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection, but its connection to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and other complications is not fully understood. Some research suggests that women who are prone to other infections may be more likely to get BV, which could then lead to complications like PPROM. However, more research is needed to confirm this connection.
How to treat BV during pregnancy
If you have bacterial vaginosis, your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics that are considered safe to take during pregnancy. It is always necessary to take all the medicine prescribed by your ob-gyn. Generally, antibiotics will help clear out any infection in the vagina and any symptoms that are present in your body. However, the infection may recur in a short period of time. Good bacteria present inside the body will help you hold the overgrowth of bad bacteria; it has the ability to prevent bacterial vaginosis from coming back. Antibiotics kill off most bacteria, which results in having a bacterial vaginosis, and it will prevent good bacteria from growing back rapidly. Always inform your ob-gyn whenever the symptom will return.
How to avoid experiencing BV
Although the root cause of bacterial imbalance in the body is unknown, there are still several preventative methods you can find to reduce your chances of obtaining bacterial vaginosis. Some of these methods include:
If you are sexually active with multiple partners, it is important to practice safe sex in order to reduce your risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis. Although the exact role that sexual activity plays in the development of bacterial vaginosis is not known, it is thought to be more common in women who have sex with multiple partners, or who have recently started having sex with a new partner. Gay and bisexual women are also thought to be at increased risk.
Secondly, it’s not recommended to douche or use feminine hygiene sprays, scented bathing soaps, or other similar products on or around your vagina. These types of products can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria present in your vagina. Douching while pregnant should also be avoided, as it can force air to pass underneath your membranes and cause air embolism – a potentially life-threatening condition.
