Bacterial vaginosis
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| Bacterial vaginosis | |
| ICD-10 | B96, N76 |
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| ICD-9 | 616.1 |
| MeSH | D016585 |
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Bacterial vaginosis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Bacterial vaginosis On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Bacterial vaginosis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Epidemiology & Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Causes
Differentiating Bacterial vaginosis
Complications & Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory tests | Electrocardiogram | X Rays | CT | MRI Echocardiography or Ultrasound | Other images | Alternative diagnostics
Treatment
Medical therapy | Surgical options | Primary prevention | Secondary prevention | Financial costs | Future therapies
Complications
Although previously considered a mere nuisance infection, untreated bacterial vaginosis may cause serious complications, such as increased succeptibility to sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and may present other complications for pregnant women.[1] It has also been associated with an increase in the development of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.
Treatment
Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin. However, there is a high rate of recurrence.[2]
Currently, there are very few over the counter products that address bacterial vaginosis. A vaginal gel product called RepHresh claims to regulate the pH level. Boric acid capsules inserted vaginally is considered a home treatment. Lactobacillus supplements may also be used; Fem-dophilus (Jarrow Formulas) is a lactobacillus product which specifically claims to help maintain healthy vaginal flora.[3]
It should be noted that seeking medical attention is often necessary, because none of the over the counter products can claim to treat an active infection. More importantly, patients often inaccurately diagnose BV as a yeast infection, and delay proper treatment which may lead to complications.
In a randomized controlled trial,[4] researchers found the efficacy of 0.75% metronidazole vaginal gel in treating bacterial vaginosis (cure rate 70.7%) was equivalent to that of standard oral metronidazole treatment (cure rate 71%). Treatment with vaginal metronidazole gel was associated with fewer gastrointestinal complaints.
References
- ↑ "STD Facts - Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)". Retrieved 2007-12-04.
- ↑
- ↑ "Specific probiotic strains are effective for genitourinary infections Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients - Find Articles". Retrieved 2007-12-04.
- ↑ Hanson JM, McGregor JA, Hillier SL; et al. (2000). "Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis. A comparison of vaginal gel vs. oral therapy". J Reprod Med. 45 (11): 889–96. PMID 11127100.