Treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis

Every living being is host to a complex interplay of microorganisms and this influences our health — in the genital area as much as anywhere else. When the bacteria in the vagina gets out of balance, bacterial vaginosis can develop. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the harmful, pathogenic bacteria in the vagina multiply and the protective lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) decline.

Itching, burning sensations, unpleasant odours: many women are familiar with the symptoms of vaginosis. It is one of the most common complaints related to vaginal flora, mostly affecting women of childbearing age. As a rule, this imbalance is treated with antibiotics in order to destroy the harmful bacteria — thus unfortunately this also destroys the lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli), which are indispensable for a healthy vaginal environment.

Is bacterial vaginosis an infection?

Bacterial vaginosis is often described as a bacterial infection or the equivalent, but this is inaccurate. In fact, bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance (bacterial dysbiosis) of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. It can arise without external influence, whereas an “infection” describes the invasive presence of a pathogen (bacteria, virus, yeast, etc.) within the body. A healthy vaginal environment (flora) always consists of a multitude of different bacteria. The pH level is between 3.8 and 4.4. The vaginal environment is thus more acidic than most of the body, thanks to the lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli). The acidic environment prevents unwanted bacterial colonisation that could cause illness.
Further information on the composition of the flora is available here When an imbalance occurs, the pH level rises and the unwanted bacteria increase.

Causes of vaginosis

The cause of this imbalance is not always completely clear. Hormonal changes, stress, incorrect hygienic practices, sexual intercourse and the weakening of the immune system as a result of illness can all cause imbalance, making it easier for bacteria to multiply.

Typical symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

The symptoms listed here are typical, but they are not always obvious for every affected person.

• Grey-white discharge.
• An unpleasant odour, described as fishy.
• Itching or irritated skin.
• Pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse.

Treatment and prevention of bacterial infections

If bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics, not only the harmful germs are attacked, but the useful lactobacilli too. The lactobacilli that we actually want in the vagina are also attacked. This causes a deficiency in lactobacilli and this again endangers genital health. The targeted deployment of lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) can rebuild the flora directly after antibiotic treatment.

A healthy and stable flora is the best way to prevent the vaginosis from recurring. Vaginosis could return, for example, if the antibiotics did not succeed in killing all of the harmful bacteria. A constantly low pH level and a sufficient amount of lactobacilli can prevent the germs from re-establishing themselves.

Women who tend to suffer from repeated vaginal infections can use Vagiflor® lactobacilli to restore and maintain a healthy, defensive vaginal environment.