Bacterial Vaginosis

Hello Doctor,

I am 28 years old.  In 2009, i went to the gyn for a smear test and it was normal. i told the gyn that i had a bit of lower abdominal pain but since smear was ok i did not take any notice of the pain.  i've been having light pain since 2009 but recently i've been to the doctor for a smear test and resulted that i have clue cells. doctor told me that i have bacterial vaginosis. i took flagyl tablets (2 times a day of 400g each) for a week and used betadine vaginal douche for 10 days. after this treatment, the pain vanished but after a week, i started feeling the pain again. Smell and colour of mucus is normal as it was before. the only symptoms i have is the lower abdominal pain. What do you suggest me to do? take the treatment again? if so, do you think that i will get rid of this BV? is it dangerous if i get pregnant and i have this BV? Is it ok to have sex while having BV? and is it important for my husband to be treated as well?

I am really worried so i would really appreciate your help.  

Thanks in advance

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
BV is caused by a shift in the normal vaginal bacteria.  It typically causes a heavy discharge with an odor.  It usually does NOT cause abdominal or pelvic pain, although it can cause irritation of the vagina.  BV typically is cleared up nicely by Flagyl.  It is not dangerous during pregnancy, although some studies have linked BV to preterm delivery.
Usually the male partner is not treated.
If you were my patient, I would be looking for some other cause of the pain--I would want to do an ultrasound to rule out problems with the ovaries or uterus.  And I would also ask some questions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
I hope this helps!
Dr B

[bernardettegatt]

Hi again Doctor, sorry to send you again but i am worried. i do not have discharge with an odor. mucus is normal and got no fishy smell. i do not have any irration at all.. i had an ultra sound and gyn noticed one ovary a bit larger than normal. she told me that it could be becasue i was on antibiotics (flagyl) and maybe that egg was ovulated during my last period.  regards IBS, i do not suffer from indigestion or anything. all things are normal. the only thing i feel is abdominal pain (in the lower part). i think its the vagina.  Do you think i should look into the vagina by endometriosis? sorry i am not sure if i used the correct term.    PS when i did smear test, it resulted that i have clue cells. thats why the gyn concluded that i have BV.  i am worried as i want to plan children but these things are worrying me.

thanks again for your help

[Northcoast]

Hi,  I came across your post because I've been diagnosed with BV also.  I, like you, have no discharge or foul odor at all.  I read that this is the case in about 40% of women with BV.  My only issue is a burning sensation just outside the vagina.  The vulva is bright red and burns, so off the the GYN I went.  After two courses of meds and a skin biopsy, I'm still having the burning and the BV is still positive.  Now I'm on clobetastol ointment externally for the burning, but I think it's made the burning worse and now my entire vulva area is having symptoms of burning.  My clitoris is even swollen and painful now and never was before (no sex!).  So I think I'm having a reaction to the ointment.  Ugh!  So now I'm on the internet researching non-prescription remedies such as cutting out sugar, acidophlus probiotics, etc,  So, I hope the doctor responds back to you and perhaps has some advice that I can follow too. The meds work but once they're done with the symptoms come back, I've found.  But if you're seeing a GYN, I would go back or at least call to tell the Dr. you're still experiencing pain and need another appt.  Good luck,

[bernardettegatt]

Hello,

i agree with you when you said that antibiotics treat the symptoms but not the actual problem. i have a feeling that after i finish my antibiotics i will get the bv again. i am on metronidazole. i am taking 3 tablets everyday of 400mg each one. in fact, i got a burning sensation on the outside of my vagina. so i am drinking a lot of water so maybe it helps. maybe its one of the side effects from the antibiotics.. i am still in pain - a bit of back pain and low abdominal pain. when i finish the antibiotics, i am having a smear test and see if it vanished. if BV is still there, i would have to talk with my gyn again and go for further tests.. i really dont know if this can be healed completely or if i am staying with it my whole life...  i feel very sad, confused, worried and helpless.  

did you try clindamycin creme?  my gynae suggested this creme but i did not find it in my country. in fact my gyn is trying to buy me one becasue she said that it is important that my partner be treated as well.


i came across this website and i thought of sharing it with you. maybe it is helpful.  http://www.vaginosis.com/#10. please if you come across some other type of solution for this problem, i would really appreciate if you share it with me.

PS. Take probiotics every day. it is highly important!!

good luck to you too.