True, this is the first symptom and the most recognizable of bacterial vaginosis, which manifests itself with foul odors that smell like spoiled fish. Not by chance, one of the tests used to detect it is called a fish-test or sniff-test.
This bacterial infection occurs when normal vaginal bacterial flora (the “good” bacteria that defend us from the “bad” ones, and which are predominantly the Lactobacilli, such as Döderlein bacillus, that usually live in the vagina of the woman, where they play a beneficial role) is replaced by other bacteria, which find favorable conditions for growth, and can grow in large numbers and become dangerous. Among these, one of the main ones is Gardnerella vaginalis.
Contagion occurs primarily through sex with infected partners. In about half of the cases, the infection is asymptomatic. In the other half, symptoms generally manifest that include:
- grayish vaginal discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell, irritation and inflammation of the vagina and surrounding area, burning during or after sexual intercourse or during urination.
Specific therapy involves antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a gynecologist. Resolution can be quick if the treatment is done right away. In most cases, this is not a serious infection, but it is annoying and can be transmitted to your partner, who should in any case be informed.
To prevent re-infection, it is important to maintain the vaginal acidity around pH = 4, which helps protect the equilibrium of the beneficial resident flora (acidophilus lactobacillus). These constitute the first defense against invading pathogenic strains, which can also come from the intestine (through the anus). In this regard, it is always important to wash the intimate parts from the front to the back, and not vice versa, in order to prevent germs in the anal area from infecting the vulvo-vaginal parts.
