What is non-specific vaginitis/bacterial vaginosis?
Under normal circumstances, the vagina is colonized by different types of bacteria (microorganisms) known as “vaginal flora”. Normal vaginal flora consists of both “protective bacteria” and “harmful bacteria”. The “protective bacteria”, known as lactobacilli, helps prevent infection “in part by maintaining an acidic pH in the vagina and ensuring that hydrogen peroxide is present in the environment”.
A change in the normal balance of vaginal flora, where the number of good bacteria (lactobacilli) decreases, allows harmful bacteria to grow and multiply. This growth of harmful bacteria can result in several types of vaginal infections, known as vaginitis.
Bacterial vaginosis, also known as non-specific vaginitis, is the most common cause of vaginitis.
Risk factors
Although the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is not fully understood, risk factors include:
- Sexual activity (risk increases with number of sex partners)
- Smoking
- Use of vaginal douches or intravaginal products
Signs and symptoms
Approximately 50-75% of women with bacterial vaginosis report no symptoms. Those who do report symptoms typically have abnormal vaginal discharge (usually off-white, grey and thin) with an unpleasant fishy smell that can be more noticeable after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
Treatment
If you are experiencing any of these bothersome symptoms, they can be treated with vaginal vitamin C tablets like Prevegyne®.*
Prevegyne® works by decreasing the pH level inside the vagina, i.e., making it more acidic. A more acidic environment promotes the growth of protective (lactobacilli) bacteria while making it difficult for harmful bacteria to survive.
* If you have never been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, it is recommended that you consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before using Prevegyne®.
BEFORE using Prevegyne® talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional if you are:
- have a vaginal infection due to Candida
- are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- have hemolytic anemia (premature destruction of red blood cells)
Do not use Prevegyne® if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
