Bacterial Vaginosis

Question 1

Define bacterial vaginosis.

Answer 1

pH of the vagina is disrupted and Lactobacillus is replaced with anaerobic bacteria causing infection of the vagina.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 2

Unknown transmission

Question 3

What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 3

Multiple sexual partners

New sexual partner

Using feminine products e.g. Femfresh which changes the pH of the vagina

Question 4

Summarise the epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis.

Answer 4

Very common i.e. estimated ~30% of women in US

Question 5

What are symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? What are the signs of bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 5

Asymptomatic

Strong smelling vaginal discharge, especially after sex

Change to consistency and colour of discharge

Question 6

What investigations should be performed for bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 6

High vaginal swab

Question 7

What is the management for bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 7

Metronidazole (first line)

Clindamycin if allergic to metronidazole

Question 8

What complications are associated with bacterial vaginosis? What is the prognosis for bacterial vaginosis.

Answer 8

BV can cause problems in pregnancy even though it is not serious otherwise:

Miscarriage

Preterm labour

IUGR

Postnatal infection