Bacterial Vaginosis

More than often women complain of a bad odor from the vagina. it might be associated with a discharge or itchiness. bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection that affects nearly 75% women who are sexually active.
Bacterial vaginosis alters the normal PH of the vagina from acidic of 3.5 and 4.5 to an alkaline PH.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the vagina bacteria (lactobacilli) are replaced by anaerobes, Gardinella vaginallis and Mycoplasma hominis

clinical features

• Itchy Vagina
• Vaginal discharge ranging from frothy grey to white
• Mild to severe vaginal rendness due to itching  

Diagnosis

• vaginal discharge is key
• A lab test of the vaginal discharge will give a fishy odor when put on 10% KOH (positive amine test)
• Vaginal PH of greater than 4.5 meaning an alkaline PH
• clue cells on the discharge on wet preparation of saline 

Effects of Bacterial Vaginosis

•  Preterm labor
• Premature rapture of membranes
• Post-surgical infections 

Treatment 

• Per oral metronidazole 500mg three times a day for a week or
• Per Clindamycin 300mg twice daily for a week
• Treatment of male partners is not recommended in females who are asymptomatic
• Routine treatment of pregnant women is not advised.
• Pregnant women at risk of preterm, treatment is recommended

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