(ID)- Bacterial Vaginosis Flashcards
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Imbalance in vaginal microbiome
Overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and loss of lactobacilli
What is the most common anaerobic bacterial overgrowth in bacterial vaginosis?
Gardnerella vaginalis
What symptoms are experienced in bacterial vaginosis?
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Fishy odour, particularly after intercourse
- Vaginal itching or irritation (less common)
- Grey-white watery discharge
Who is most commonly affected by bacterial vaginosis?
Women of childbearing age
Common in sexually active women
NOT AN STI
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
Amsel criteria
- Elevated vaginal pH > 4.5
- Homogenous grey or milky discharge
- Positive whiff test (add 10% potassium hydroxide to produce fishy odour)
- Clue cells on wet mount
How can bacterial vaginosis be treated?
Metronidazole
Clindamycin
Orally or intravaginally
What can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis?
- Pregnancy
Due to hormonal changes
Does not generally cause issues in the majority of pregnancies - Multiple sexual partners or new sexual partner
- Douching
- Lack of consistent condom use
What are some differential diagnoses for bacterial vaginosis?
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
- White, curd-like discharge
- Itching
- Burning
- Dyspareunia
Trichomonas vaginalis infection
- Purulent, frothy, greenish discharge
- Pruritis
- Dyspareunia
- Dysuria
Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
Atrophic vaginitis
- Thin, watery discharge
- Postmenopausal women
- Dryness
- Burning
- Dyspareunia
What are the risks of BV during pregnancy?
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Mostly no issues