Bacterial vaginosis and the role of vaginal acidification
Authors:
J. Minárik
Published in:
Prakt Gyn 2008; 12(4): 217-224
Overview
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most frequent vaginal infections in women of reproductive age. It accounts for more than 50 % of BV cases. Bacterial vaginosis impairs vaginal microenvironment equilibri um by virtue of incre asing vaginal pH over 4.5, suppressing lactobacilli flora and, primarily, by proliferating anaerobe bacteria. In most women, the BV has an asymptomatic course. In case of symptomatic BV mainly vaginal discharge is present, of white to grey colour and with a characteristic “fish‑like” odour. BV patients are more often affected by post‑op infections in the pelvic region and by urinary infections, and have a higher risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and infertility. In spite of high efficiency of standard therapy, a significant trend towards recurrence has been observed. Administration of exogenous lactobacilli has not brought the expected results. It is the persistence of a higher vaginal pH which appe ars to hinder the renewal of the prevailing lactobacillus flora. The latest trend consists in the effort to reduce the higher pH in order to facilitate the colonisation of vaginal epitheli um by natural lactobacilli. A vaginal cre am with acid pH and vitamin C (e. g. VITAgyn C) can be newly used for acidification and stimulation of colonisation to intensify basic BV therapy.
Key words:
bacterial vaginosis – lactobacilli – pH acidity – vitamin C – recurrence – vaginal microflora
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Paediatric gynaecology Gynaecology and obstetrics Reproduction medicineArticle was published in
Practical Gynecology
2008 Issue 4
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