Vaginal bacteria overgrowth: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Vaginal bacteria overgrowth (bacterial vaginosis or) is a disease in which disrupted the number and the proportion of normal vaginal flora, and breed pathogens. Normal flora of the vagina consists mainly of useful lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, they perform a protective function and destroy harmful microbes.

One of the symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis is a nasty smelling discharge with a sour or slightly bitter tinge

The causative agent is Gardnerella normally present in the vagina of healthy women in small quantities. Dysbiosis vagina is not a sexually transmitted disease, they can hurt girls, not sexually active. There are many causes of dysbiosis of the vagina. The most common:

  • hypothermia, which leads to decrease in immunity that affects the microflora of the vagina,
  • intestinal dysbacteriosis,
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
  • endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease),
  • promiscuous,
  • acclimatization,
  • psychological and physical stress,
  • STIs,
  • surgery,
  • frequent douching,
  • contraceptives (the uterine spiral),
  • improper use of tampons during menstruation,
  • long-term treatment with antibiotics,
  • poor diet.

Symptoms of the disease

In 20-50% of cases are asymptomatic, regardless of whether there are symptoms or not, the disease needs to be treated.

A woman needs to pay attention to such features as:

  • itching and burning in the vagina and mucosa of the external genitalia (rare),
  • vaginal discharge white or gray, sometimes frothy nature,
  • bad smell (rotten fish) in the intimate area,
  • uncomfortable feeling during intercourse,
  • the number and nature of the discharge may change before menstruation or after intercourse,
  • disorders of urination (rare).
Importantly! Even if not disturbed by unpleasant sensations and symptoms should immediately begin treatment. Dysbiosis is dangerous with its complications and may lead to inflammation of the uterus and appendages, to female infertility, pregnancy – premature birth and complications.

Should differentiate dysbacteriosis vaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis. In these diseases the patient concerned itching that vaginal dysbiosis manifests itself not so pronounced.

Diagnostics

After examination and medical history, the gynecologist takes the brush strokes and focuses on the symptoms, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the test results. The presence of complaints and the data of laboratory diagnostics give the right diagnosis of vaginal dysbiosis. Analysis result:

  • ph-metry, pH higher than 4.5,
  • the key (epithelial cells covered with pathogens),
  • positive linetest.
Pay attention! For male Gardnerella is not dangerous. When a woman has bacterial vaginosis, her partner (a man) to treat not need. In the case when a man is sick the male urethritis which is the causative agent of Gardnerella, treatment is necessary.

Treatment

Even if you are not concerned about any symptoms, vaginal dysbiosis should immediately begin to heal. Treatment appoint a doctor based on test results. Therapy is aimed at destruction of pathogenic microflora, as a rule, lasts no more than a month. Treatment is antibiotics in the form of local vaginal suppositories and drugs of General validity in the form of tablets. The second, equally important point of treatment is the colonization of the vagina beneficial microorganisms.

Throughout the period of treatment should avoid sexual intercourse as it affects the process of recovery, and possible recurrence of the disease. We must not forget about events that can increase the immune system and avoiding harmful habits, engaged in a medical physical culture, fresh air, cold shower, emotional balance, proper nutrition, healthy sleep, taking vitamin and mineral complexes.

Prevention

Compliance with preventive measures prevent the development of vaginal dysbiosis. You must follow the rules of intimate hygiene, wear comfortable underwear made from natural materials (cotton), not to forget the activities aimed at strengthening the immune system.

Importantly! After medical interventions such as curettage, abortion, and any procedure that was accompanied by treatment of vagina with antiseptics, it is necessary to use vaginal plugs that contain live lactic acid bacteria (and probiotics, eubiotics).

In the presence of intestinal dysbiosis –it is also necessary treatment, with the further recovery of the beneficial microflora. Dysbacteriosis treatment of folk remedies, usually do not give a positive effect. It is not necessary to self-medicate, it is better to seek help from a specialist.