VB

Question 1

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 1

A non-sexually transmitted infection of the lower genital tract in females

Question 2

How common is bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 2

The most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age

Question 3

What happens to the normal vagina to lead to bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 3

There is a disturbance in the normal vaginal flora leading to a reduction in the number of lactobacilli bacteria

Question 4

What type of bacteria are lactobacilli?

Answer 4

Large rod-shaped organisms that produce hydrogen peroxide to help maintain the acidic pH of the vagina

Question 5

What is the normal pH of the vagina?

Answer 5

< 4.5

Question 6

What is the result of the acidic nature of the vagina?

Answer 6

Prevents overgrowth of other microorganisms

Question 7

What happens to the pH of the vagina when lactobacilli numbers are reduced?

Answer 7

pH increases

Question 8

What does the increase in pH in bacterial vaginosis allow?

Answer 8

Overgrowth of other microorganisms

Question 9

What are the most common organisms found in bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 9

• Gardnerella vaginalis
• Anaerobes
• Mycoplasmas

Question 10

What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 10

• New or multiple sexual partners
• Use of IUD
• Receptive oral sex
• Presence of STI
• Vaginal douching
• Use of scented soaps/vaginal deodorants
• Recent antibiotic use
• Black ethnicity
• Smoking

Question 11

What % of bacterial vaginosis cases are asymptomatic?

Answer 11

Up to 50%

Question 12

What is the most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 12

Offensive, fishy smelling discharge