Multiple Sex Partners Can Lead to Bacterial Vaginosis

It is embarrassing and fear inducing to think you may have a sexually transmitted disease. But frequently it is something much more understandable and treatable. It could be bacterial vaginosis. One reason you may be confused and think you have an STD is that the symptoms could occur soon after you have had intercourse with a new partner. But bacterial vaginosis is not an STD.

It is a mild bacterial infection of the vagina. It comes from normal vaginal bacteria which all women have, but when it grows in excess it can lead to bacterial vaginosis. As reported by MayoClinic.com the symptoms of BV include

• "Increased vaginal discharge, usually watery and gray or green
• Strong alkaline or "fishy" odor, which can come and go
• Burning of the vulvar tissue
• Itching (this is not very common)"

Bacteria in the vagina is normally controlled by the acidic levels. You want an acidic pH level in the vagina. When it becomes alkaline this is when bacteria grows in excess. There are several things that can increase the alkalinity in your vagina.

• As simple a thing as your period can do it. Your blood is alkaline so the heaviness and length of your flow can affect the pH. You may note the alkaline odor is very strong at this time.
• Sperm is very alkaline. So if you have frequent intercourse the sperm can affect the vaginal pH.
• Also the normal occurrence of the vagina becoming more alkaline during menopause due to hormonal changes can lead to bacterial vaginosis.
• Starting sexual activity at a young age.
• Also if you have multiple sex partners
• Having a female sex partner
• smoke cigarettes
  cigarettes
• douche often

This is a problem that must be dealt with, it is quite irritating and frustrating to the woman. There are some things that can be done to help prevent bacterial vaginosis.

Talk to your doctor about decreasing the length and heaviness of your periods. There are actually several options to be able to accomplish this, including low dose birth control pills.

Using a condom when you are having sex will help to decrease the exposure to the alkaline sperm.

And you might talk to your doctor about using local estrogen if you are menopausal. This will help to increase the acidity of the vagina. It comes in several forms including cream or pill.

There are some serious potential complications with having bacterial vaginosis. According to WebMD.com this includes.

• "If you have it when you are pregnant, it increases the risk of miscarriage, early (preterm) delivery, and uterine infection after pregnancy.
• If you have it when you have a pelvic procedure such as a C-section, abortion, or hysterectomy, you are more likely to get a pelvic infection.
• If you have it and you are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (including HIV), you are more likely to catch the disease."

If you are suspicious you may have bacterial vaginosis be sure to see your physician. You want to make sure it is actually the diagnosis and you do not have an STD. But once it is determined to be BV then antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice. It is not necessary to treat the partner and this is not an STD.

BV will occur again if you are re exposed to the alkaline condition of the vagina. So once you are prone to it, learn to take the necessary precautions.

Sources:

CDC: STD facts

Bacterial Vaginosis

Sex and Bacterial Vagniosis