A vaginal infection, called vaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina that produces a discharge, irritation, itching and odor. A bacterial vaginal infection is a vaginal infection that has been caused by an imbalance of bacteria.

Most women will experience the discomfort of vaginitis at some time in their lives; some women are plagued by repeat attacks on a regular basis. There are numerous over the counter medications that treat the symptoms of vaginitis, but few will prevent its return.

What causes vaginitis?

The vagina has a unique environment which is maintained by normal friendly bacteria and hormones. When this delicate environment is altered, vaginitis occurs.

The most common causes of vaginal infections are antibiotic medications, sexual intercourse, vaginal medication, contraception medications, sexually transmitted disease, change of sexual partners and stress.

The three most common types of vaginal infection are trichomoniasis, yeast infection and bacterial vaginal infection or bacterial vaginosis, which the one this article is about. When the common symptoms of vaginitis occur, most women assume they have a yeast infection and treat themselves with pharmacy medication. Unless they really do have a yeast infection, these medications will not help.

In fact, recent research by the American Social Health Association discovered that 70% of women treated their vaginal infections with over-the-counter preparations without seeking medical advice. This was because they thought they had a common yeast infection, and didn’t know that the symptoms might be something else.

What causes bacterial vaginal infection?

Bacterial vaginosis accounts for half of all cases of vaginal infection, making it the most common vaginal infection. It is caused by changes to the bacteria that are normally found in the vagina that help to maintain its unique environment. This in turn causes an increase in numbers of unfriendly bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis.

You are at risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis if you are pregnant, use an IUD (intra-uterine device) or frequently douche. Having multiple sexual partners can also put you at risk of the disease. Women who have never had sex rarely get bacterial vaginosis, and you don’t pick it up from public swimming pools or toilet seats.

More than 16% of pregnant women in the US have bacterial vaginosis, with African Americans and Hispanics being particularly prone to it.

The symptoms of bacterial vaginal infection are similar to other forms of vaginitis - a white or grey discharge, itching, burning when urinating and an unpleasant odor, which is often fish-like. Some women experience no symptoms; some have only mild discomfort while others have a major irritation.

What is the treatment for bacterial vaginal infection and is it safe if I am pregnant?

All forms of vaginal infection respond well to treatment, as long as the appropriate treatment, for the type of infection, is used. When you are pregnant, you should not take any medication that hasn’t been approved by your doctor.

Bacterial vaginosis will not go away by itself, nor will it respond to home remedies or OTC preparations. It needs antibiotics, so you need to see your medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and the correct treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis is linked with pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, which is a possible cause of infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Bacterial vaginal infections also have implications in pregnancy by causing low birth weights and premature labor. If you are pregnant, and you have any vaginal symptoms at all, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible so that your condition can be monitored.