Vaginosis in pregnancy: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal infection caused by the excessive growth of a bacteria naturally present in the vagina, compromising the natural balance of the region's microbiota.

Although not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of contracting an STI such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and the herpes simplex virus.

Furthermore, although its cause is not completely understood, having unprotected sex is one of the factors that increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.

Other risk factors for the condition are: having many sexual partners or a new sexual partner, the frequent habit of washing the vagina with water or a cleansing agent, and insufficient natural production of lactobacilli (good bacteria) in the vagina.

Additionally, although not completely understood, studies show that bacterial vaginosis strikes women who have sex with other women more often. Using the intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive method also increases the chances of having the problem.

However, it is important to highlight that the IUD does not directly cause bacterial vaginosis, but some factors associated with the use of the IUD can contribute to the bacterial imbalance in the vagina, increasing the risk of developing this infection.