She-is-unwell.-How-do-I-talk-about-it

She is unwell. How do I talk about it?

She is your vagina, and she is letting you know that all is not well. You have noticed a thin grey or white vaginal discharge with a decidedly “fishy” odour. 1 So, how do you talk about it? For some reason, women feel embarrassed and sometimes ashamed to discuss conditions affecting their vaginas.2

Speaking to your healthcare professional

First of all, your discreet problem needs professional attention. A thin grey or white vaginal discharge with a fishy odour may be bacterial vaginosis, an infection in the vagina that is caused when “bad” bacteria replaces the protective “good” Lactobacilli, which helps keep your vaginal lining acidic and healthy. 1,3. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease and is not caused by bad hygiene. In fact, douching actually increases your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis!4

Did you know that 1 out of 3 women will get bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lives? 2 Your healthcare professional sees a lot of women just like you and will not be embarrassed at all when you discuss your symptoms with them.

Remember, apart from being a professional, your healthcare professional may also be a woman or be the partner of a woman who has had bacterial vaginosis. Make an appointment and speak to your healthcare provider.  If you are concerned about being nervous, write down any symptoms you may have noticed, so that you can chat to them about it and do not forget anything you may want to discuss.

Speaking to your partner

Understandably, this can be a nerve wrecking experience. Us women all have our normal womanly smell, and now something is amiss. What’s more, you are creatively trying to come up with excuses to avoid intimacy. The tips below may help you when you take the plunge:

Tip 1: Reassure your partner by sharing the facts

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition. 2 It is NOT a sexually transmitted disease and men cannot get bacterial vaginosis, as they do not have vaginas! (if you have a lady partner, she may be at risk of getting bacterial vaginosis).4 Bacterial vaginosis is simply caused when the delicate pH balance inside the vagina is disturbed, and “bad” bacteria replaces the “good” Lactobacilli bacteria. 1,3 Your chances of getting bacterial vaginosis increase if you douche, use perfumed soap or bubble bath or if you smoke, as it upsets the natural balance in your vagina. 1,4,5 Having sex without a condom may also increase your risk for bacterial vaginosis, as semen is alkaline, and it upsets the normal acidic pH of the vagina, making it more vulnerable to infections. 3,6

Tip 2: Explain the treatment

Bacterial vaginosis can be easily treated with antibiotics available in oral tablets or topical gel or antibacterials for a period of 5 to 7 days. 4,7

Tip 3: Be sure to let your partner know when it is all systems Go!

Taking alcohol while you are on certain medications may make you feel unwell, so do not use alcohol during your treatment and for 48 hours after you have completed the treatment. Rather plan that romantic dinner for two in two weeks’ time! 4,7 Thereafter, be sure to let him know when you are ready for action!

For further information on bacterial vaginosis and its treatment, please speak to your healthcare professional.

DISCLAIMER: This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional

Name and business address: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07. 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. IN2524/18

References:

  1. Mayo Clinic. Bacterial vaginosis [online]29 July 2017 [cited 2 March 2018]; Available from URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279
  2. Bilardi J, Walker S, McNair R, et al. Women’s Management of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis and Experiences of Clinical Care: A Qualitative Study. Plos One 2016;11(3): e0151794. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0151794
  3. Smith SB, Ravel J. The vaginal microbiota, host defence and reproductive physiology. J Physiol 2017;2:451–463
  4. Thrush and Bacterial vaginosis. Looking after your sexual health [online] [cited 22 March 2018]; Available from URL: http://www.sexualhealthsheffield.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/thrush-bacterial-vaginosis-information-and-advice.pdf
  5. Soper DE. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Merck Manual Consumer Version [online] [cited 22 March 2018]; Available from URL: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/vaginal-infections-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/bacterial-vaginosis-bv
  6. Priestley CJF, Jones BM, Dhar J, et al. What is normal vaginal flora? Genitourin Med 1997;73:23-28
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diseases Characterized by Vaginal Discharge [online] 28 January 2011 [cited 29 March 2018]; Available from URL: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/vaginal-discharge.htm