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Bacterial Vaginosis – Symptoms, Risks and Treatment

Sep 25, 2025

Intimate issues are often a taboo subject. But why is that? A US study of women of various ethnicities, ages, and educational levels found that 29% of the women in the study tested positive for bacterial vaginosis (Jenifer E. Allsworth, 2007). So, if intimate issues affect so many women, why can't they be discussed openly?
We have been dealing with a wide variety of complaints in the intimate area, their causes, risks, and treatment for years and can say quite clearly: vaginosis or a yeast infection is nothing to be ashamed of.

Before we delve deeper into the topic of bacterial vaginosis, it's important to understand how the female genital area "works." In short, a healthy vaginal environment has an acidic pH of 3.8 to 4.5. This must be maintained to protect it from pathogenic germs and bacteria.

Causes of bacterial vaginosis

Many influences can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina and lead to bacterial vaginosis:

Reduction of “good” lactic acid bacteria through the use of antibiotics
Excessive and/or incorrect hygiene
Promoting the growth of germs due to excessively moist and warm environment in the intimate area
Hormonal fluctuations, e.g. due to the contraceptive pill, in the
Pregnancy or menopause
Diseases, e.g. diabetes
Increase in vaginal pH due to alkaline body fluids, e.g. blood (menstrual bleeding), semen and postpartum discharge

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

The external genital area is rarely affected. The vagina usually shows only mild signs of inflammation. Typical symptoms include:

Itching or burning in the inner genital area
Increased discharge with a fishy odor
Pain during sexual intercourse and/or urination
Increased vaginal pH > 4.4

Risks and consequences of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can cause ascending infections of the genital area. This means that an infection ascends against the flow of secretions into the uterus, causing secondary diseases:

uterine infections
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes
Abscesses of the ovary or fallopian tube

Bacterial vaginosis can also have serious consequences during pregnancy:

Premature rupture of the membranes
miscarriage
premature birth
Fever during childbirth

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis

The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is considered confirmed if at least three of the following findings are present:

Homogeneous gray-whitish discharge
Fishy smell of vaginal secretions
Increased vaginal pH > 4.4
Microscopic detection of clue cells by the doctor

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Treatment should be determined by a physician and usually requires a complete analysis of the patient's clinical picture. Furthermore, the partner should be involved in the treatment to avoid re-infection.

To relieve vaginal discomfort and prevent recurring vaginosis, we recommend our ELANEE lactic acid treatment.

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Prevention of bacterial vaginosis

A healthy vaginal environment is key to preventing vaginal infections. A lactic acid treatment supports the natural protective mechanism by regulating the pH to 3.8.

Regular self-monitoring of your pH with the ELANEE Vaginal pH Self-Test is a good way to detect any shifts in your vaginal pH and take preventative measures. We recommend this especially if you are at risk of infection-related miscarriage or premature birth.

Incidentally, disorders in the external genital area can affect the vaginal environment, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to properly care for the external genital area and protect it from harmful influences.

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Always seek medical advice

Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.

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