Did you know women can experience bacterial vaginosis, or BV, even if they’ve never been sexually active? BV is a vaginal condition that affects women of all ages, though it’s most common among those 15 to 44 years old. Having BV can be painful and affect your operational performance as a Warfighter. Long term, it may also increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cause problems while pregnant.

Why Does BV Happen?

BV occurs when the harmful bacteria in the vagina outnumber the good bacteria. It’s unclear what exactly causes this imbalance, though there are a couple factors that can disrupt your vagina’s normal bacteria levels. The first is sexual activity. In general, sexually active women are more likely to get BV than women who haven’t had sex. Those with new or multiple sex partners are at higher risk, especially if condoms aren’t used. Douching may also upset the balance of vaginal bacteria and lead to BV.

How Do I Know If I Have BV?

Not everyone with BV experiences symptoms. But when symptoms are present, they’re often uncomfortable and might affect your job duties. Imagine you need to complete a difficult task but can’t focus on anything besides the discomfort you’re feeling. Or, if your position requires a high level of physical activity but certain movements cause pain. It’s important to stay in tune with your body and know if something seems off.

Possible signs of BV include:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge that looks milky or gray
  • Irritation inside or outside of the vagina (e.g., itching, burning)
  • A strong fish-like smell, especially after having sex
  • Burning while peeing

I Think I Might Have BV, What Do I Do?

Most BV symptoms overlap with other vaginal health conditions, such as yeast infections. If you’re experiencing anything unusual, schedule a visit with your health care provider. They can determine whether you have BV and prescribe medicine to treat it. If you’re deployed, it is still critical that you seek medical help. Getting treatment will improve discomfort and protect you from other health issues.

BV is easily treated with antibiotics. Make sure you take all doses as prescribed, even if you feel better before you complete all of the medicine. If you don’t, the infection may not be fully cured. It’s also important to avoid having sex while being treated for BV. Have an honest conversation with your sex partners about your diagnosis. If your sex partner is a woman, she may also need to be treated.

What If I Don’t Seek Treatment?

Though it may be uncomfortable to discuss vaginal concerns with your health care provider, it’s crucial that you tell them what you’re experiencing. When left untreated, BV can harm your health. You may be more vulnerable to STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. It also raises your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it harder to have children. If you have BV while pregnant, it’s more likely that your baby will be born prematurely or at a low birth weight.

How Can I Protect Myself?

You can lower your risk of BV with good vaginal hygiene and by not having sex. If you choose to be sexually active, using safe sex practices can also help prevent BV. Protect your vaginal health with the following tips:

Avoid douching.
Clean only with warm water.
When using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
Limit your number of sex partners.
Use condoms consistently and correctly.
As a Warfighter, protecting your health and fitness is part of the job. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident at work so you can perform at your best. Knowing the signs of BV and promptly seeking treatment can help you stay mission ready and avoid future health problems.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, Dial 988 then Press 1. 

 

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