Hello and welcome to the zero to finals podcast.

My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about bacterial vaginosis.

And you can find written notes on this topic at zero definals.com slash BV

or in the genitoneiro urinary medicine section of the to finals, obstetrics and gynecology book.

So let's get straight into it.

Bacterial vaginosis or BV refers to an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, specifically anaerobic

bacteria.

It's not a sexually transmitted infection.

BV is caused by a loss of the lactobacilli friendly bacteria in the vagina.

Whilst it's not a sexually transmitted infection, it can increase the risk of women developing sexually transmitted

infections. Lactobacilli are the main component of a healthy vaginal bacterial flora. These bacteria

produce lactic acid that keeps the vaginal pH low under 4.5.

The acidic environment prevents other bacteria from overgrowing.

When there are reduced numbers of lactobacilli in the vagina, the pH rises.

This more alkaline environment enables anaerobic bacteria to multiply.

Examples of anaerobic bacteria to multiply. Examples of anaerobic bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis are Gardnerlla vaginalis,

which is the most common, mycoplasma hominous and prevetella species.

It's worth remembering that bacterial vaginosis can occur alongside

other infections, including candidiasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Let's talk about the risk

factors. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis,

and these include multiple sexual partners, although it's not sexually transmitted, excessive vaginal cleaning involving

douching, use of cleaning products and vaginal washes, recent antibiotics, smoking and the copper coil. Bacterial vaginosis occurs

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