Bacterial Vaginosis (Gardnerella Vaginitis)

What Is It?

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal odor and discharge. It is caused by a change in the type of bacteria found in the vagina. Normally, bacteria belonging mostly to the Lactobacillus family live harmlessly in the vagina and produce chemicals that keep the vagina mildly acidic. In bacterial vaginosis, Lactobacillus bacteria are replaced by other types of bacteria that normally are present in smaller concentrations in the vagina.

Scientists do not fully understand the reason for this change. Risk factors that seem to increase the likelihood of bacterial vaginosis include a history of multiple sex partners, a sexual relationship with a new partner, cigarette smoking, vaginal douching, and the use of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Although most of these risk factors are related to sexual activity, women who have never had vaginal intercourse can also develop bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis often occurs during pregnancy. It may cause premature labor and delivery, premature rupture of membranes and postpartum uterine infections. This is why pregnant women with a history of premature labor or other complications may be checked for bacterial vaginosis even when they don't have any symptoms.

Symptoms

Up to 50% of women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis do not have symptoms. In others, it causes an unpleasant "fishy"vaginal odor and a yellow or white vaginal discharge. For some women, these symptoms are especially bothersome during or after intercourse. The discharge seen in bacterial vaginosis tends to be thinner than the "cheesy," thick discharge seen in vaginal yeast ( Candida) infections. Bacterial vaginosis usually does not cause significant irritation of the vulva or pain during intercourse. If you have these symptoms, your doctor will check for other possible causes.