Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis
Q: I've been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis numerous times, but no matter
how many pills or creams my doctor prescribes, nothing seems to clear it up
for good. And as if the itching and burning sensations weren't bad enough, the
odor is so strong I'm too embarrassed to be intimate with my husband! Can you
help?
Dr. Donnica: The characteristic sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV, also called
"Gardnerella") is a strong "fishy" odor. This odor may become
more pronounced after having sex. While this infection can be passed between partners
(making recurrences difficult to treat), it is not a sexually transmitted disease
(STD).
The vagina normally contains many "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli,
as well as other bacteria, called anaerobes. When conditions allow the anaerobes
to proliferate, a mild infection, called bacterial vaginosis, can result. This
can occur in women who are not (or who have never been) sexually active, as
well as women who are in a mutually monogamous relationship.
The good news is that BV is treatable with one of two medicines by prescription
only: metronidazole or clindamycin. The bad news is that this doesn't seem to
be working in your case. Has your husband been treated? While the medical literature
is inconclusive about whether treating partners actually helps in most cases,
many physicians would recommend treating you and your husband simultaneously
with antibiotics and suggest postponing any further intercourse until the infection
is resolved.
Created: 1/24/2004 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
