Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is common among women affecting a significant percentage of women. The disruption of the normal vaginal flora causes bacterial vaginosis. The vagina naturally has a blend of numerous different bacteria. The dominating vaginal flora changes from Lactobacillus species to other microorganisms. The flora changes from the hydrogen peroxide producing flora to high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria (Holme et al., 1980).

 Several factors facilitate the disruption of the vaginal flora including antimicrobial treatment, hormonal imbalance, douching, demographic factors and others (Holme et al., 1980).  Bacterial vaginosis is a pathologic manifestation induced by the presence of multiple microorganisms

A study proposes that that BV develops as a result of the inhibition of Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. The disruption of the vaginal flora causes the release and inadequate function of the antimicrobial plasma protein, mannose-binding lectin (MBL). Numerous microorganisms can replace the normal Lactobacillus dominant lower genital tract flora including Gardnerella vaginalis, Enterobacteriaceae, and Streptococcus agalactia among others (Holme et al., 1980).  These microorganisms infect the lower genital tract after which they move to the uterus and the Fallopian tubes in two major ways. Firstly, the accumulating dominating microorganisms ascend to cause endometritis that evolves to salpingitis (Hill, 1993). Secondly, the microorganisms get transported by the lymphatic system to the uterus or the fallopian tube (Hill, 1993). These microorganisms cause serious infections resulting in tubal infertility. A study shows that there is a strong association between BV and tubal factor infertility in women (Hill, 1993).

The best way of revert the disruption of vaginal flora balance is through antibiotic prescriptions. Physicians occasionally use several antibiotic remedies like metronidazole (Flagyl) taken either orally in the form of pills or vaginally metronidazole gel (Metrogel) (Hill, 1993). The Metronidazole is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Metronidazole penetrates the bacterial and protozoan cells and interferes with their genetic material. It destroys the genetic material and deters the bacteria and protozoa from reproducing through cell division. Interruption of the harmful microorganisms DNA using metronidazole kills the micro-organisms and prevents further division to produce new colonies (Hill, 1993). It clears up the infection in the process. Physicians also use clindamycin vaginal cream (Cleocin) tinidazole (Tindamax) an antibiotic because it is more efficient in pregnant women and have fewer side effects (Hill, 1993).

Recurrent BV infection and affects women’s lives differently. The frequency of BV infection and severity of symptoms determines the level of impact on women (physically, emotionally, sexually and socially) (Nansel et al., 2006). Most women feel considerable embarrassment and shame because of their symptoms of BV (Nansel et al., 2006). Some get confused about why they are experiencing recurrent BV and, frustrated by their lack of control over recurrences. Others digress into stress because of the societal stereotyping against women’s sexuality, behavior and STI’s (Nansel et al, 2006). Recurrent BVgreatly affects women’s self-esteem and sex lives. These women regularly avoid sexual activity especially oral sex because they are too humiliated and self-conscious of their symptoms (Nansel et al., 2006).

References

 Holme, K., Eschenbach, D., & Knapp J. (1980). Salpingitis: an overview of etiology and epidemiology. Am J Obstet Gynecol 138:893-900

Hill, G. (1993). The microbiology of bacterial vaginosis. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 169(2), 450-454.

Nansel, T., Riggs, M., Yu, K., Andrews, W., Schwebke, J., & Klebanoff, M. (2006). The association of psychosocial stress and bacterial vaginosis in a longitudinal cohort. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 194(2), 381-386.

Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at MeldaResearch.Com in graduate paper writing service if you need a similar paper you can place your order from custom research paper writing service.