Bacterial Vaginosis Specialist

What is bacterial vaginosis?

When too many of certain types of bacteria live in your vagina, it causes an imbalance that can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV). Although it’s not a serious condition, symptoms can be very irritating and uncomfortable.

Symptoms may include:

• Vaginal pain and itching
• An abnormal consistency of vaginal fluid
• Cloudy, gray, white, or colored discharge
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Burning during urination

If you have symptoms that persist or don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment for a gynecological exam for professional evaluation, and to make sure it’s not a more serious condition.

If you’re pregnant, you may experience serious complications from bacterial vaginosis, so it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as you’re aware that the symptoms aren’t going away.

What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?

Factors that may increase your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis include:

• Multiple sex partners or a new sex partner
• Women who have female sex partners
• Douching
• Natural lack of “good” bacteria to keep balance in the vagina

Bacterial vaginosis is a female condition, so you can’t catch it from a male sexual partner, but it’s important to note that having BV makes you more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. Therefore, it’s important to treat bacterial vaginosis to minimize your risk of more serious diseases.

What treatments can help bacterial vaginosis?

In most cases, BV is highly treatable with medications that you take orally or apply vaginally. Even if you get relief from symptoms, it’s a good idea to finish all of the prescribed treatment to ensure that the infection is completely gone. Recurrence of BV is common within 3-12 months, even with treatment. If you have recurring bacterial vaginosis, ask Dr. De Leon or Dr. Nguyen-Luu about extended therapies to keep the condition under control.

The doctors understand both the physical condition and the emotional stress that comes with problems like recurring bacterial vaginosis and can help you get relief. The team offers caring, patient-focused care and individualized treatment plans to help you achieve or maintain optimal health and wellness.

To get help with BV or any other vaginal condition, call either the Irving or Dallas office or schedule the next available appointment using online booking.