Is bacterial vaginitis sexually transmitted?

Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 21, 2024
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Bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted.

The occurrence of bacterial vaginosis is mainly due to changes in the vaginal environment, which leads to an imbalance of bacteria normally present in the vagina. Some bacteria become dominant, leading to the development of bacterial vaginosis. Most cases of bacterial vaginosis are due to low immunity in women, reduced body resistance, or long-term use of vaginal medications which disturb the vaginal environment, resulting in bacterial vaginosis. It is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease.

For bacterial vaginosis, if there are obvious symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge or external genital itching, treatment with metronidazole or clindamycin can significantly relieve discomfort. In addition to medication, attention should be paid to the hygiene of the external genitalia and improving one’s immunity, as many cases of bacterial vaginosis can heal on their own.

(Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Does bacterial vaginitis affect menstruation?

Most bacterial vaginitis has no significant effect on menstruation. Because when women have bacterial vaginitis, it does not affect the ovarian secretion of estrogen, so it does not affect menstruation. Sometimes women develop bacterial vaginitis before menstruation and choose vaginal medication. Because the endometrial lining is relatively thick and menstruation is approaching, local medication may cause irritation, leading to the shedding of the endometrium. This is caused by local medication stimulation, not by affecting women's menstruation. Most cases of bacterial vaginitis are likely to recur after menstruation is over, so it is recommended that women undergo consolidation treatment for bacterial vaginitis after their periods are clean. In some women with bacterial vaginitis, particularly those with poor immunity, it might lead to acute cervicitis, and potentially further develop into endometritis. These conditions may cause women to experience prolonged menstrual bleeding, although this is relatively rare.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Why is there tofu-like discharge in bacterial vaginitis?

Bacterial vaginitis may have cottage cheese-like discharge, which requires consideration of bacterial and fungal co-infection. It is advisable to visit a hospital for routine vaginal discharge tests. If these tests indicate the presence of fungi, the diagnosis can be confirmed as fungal vaginitis with a concurrent bacterial infection. Therefore, the appearance of the discharge may change to resemble cottage cheese, but at this point, treatment becomes complicated as it requires addressing both bacterial vaginitis and fungal vaginitis simultaneously. The treatment methods for these two conditions are actually opposite. Under a doctor's guidance, considering vaginal insertions of nifuratel-nystatin capsules for symptomatic treatment may be advisable. Observing the treatment response or, if the effect is not apparent, considering treating the fungal infection first, followed by the bacterial infection.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Can bacterial vaginitis be treated during menstruation?

Bacterial vaginitis can only be treated with oral metronidazole during menstruation, and external genitalia can be cleaned with a wash, but vaginal suppositories cannot be used during bleeding periods to avoid causing infections. However, the standard treatment for bacterial vaginitis is recommended to better start after the menstruation ends. At that time, you can choose the appropriate external washes and vaginal suppositories for combined treatment, which will be more effective. During the treatment, avoid intercourse, frequently change underwear, maintain genital hygiene, avoid wearing tight clothing, consume fresh vegetables and fruits, exercise more, and enhance resistance.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is bacterial vaginosis?

Women can suffer from bacterial vaginosis, which is more commonly seen in women who have frequent sexual intercourse, or in postmenopausal women. It is not caused by an infection of a specific pathogen in the vagina, but rather by an imbalance of the normal flora that naturally resides in the vagina. Normally, the female vagina has a self-cleaning capability. What this means is that there are large quantities of lactobacilli in the vagina, which can create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of other bacteria. However, under certain pathological conditions, such as too frequent sexual activity, this balance can be disrupted, leading to a reduction in the number of lactobacilli. Consequently, the numbers of other pathogenic bacteria may increase, causing bacterial vaginosis. During this condition, there is no inflammatory alteration in the vaginal walls or cervix.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why is bacterial vaginitis so painful?

Bacterial vaginosis is a mixed infection caused by the imbalance of normal vaginal flora, and it is a relatively common gynecological disease. Bacterial vaginosis can damage the vaginal mucosa, primarily characterized by increased secretions and consequent irritation, causing pain. It is recommended to seek medical attention at a local tertiary hospital or gynecological clinic. Treatment should be conducted under the guidance of clinical physicians. During treatment, maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the vulva, wear loose, breathable underwear, consume a light diet, avoid spicy and other irritant foods, and abstain from sexual activity.