Kutlwano : Others

Sitting in a bubble bathtub for a woman might seem relaxing; a moment of calm after a long day, surrounded by warm water and fragrant foam. 

But that soothing foam bath can sometimes disrupt the vagina’s natural balance, creating conditions that may lead to bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal conditions affecting women, yet it remains widely misunderstood.

Dr Muzaffar Hossain, a general medical practitioner in Gaborone warns that everyday habits, hygiene practices and underlying health conditions can quietly disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria, opening the door to infection.

She explains in an interview that BV is not caused by a single germ, but rather by an imbalance involving multiple organisms.

“Most of the time it is never enough to say it is just bacteria. It is usually a combination of different bacteria, sometimes candida yeast and occasionally other organisms. That is why we call it a syndromic condition,” Dr Hossain says.

He notes that products such as scented soaps, bubble baths and vaginal douches can upset the delicate environment, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply while protective bacteria decline.

“For many women, BV develops quietly,” he says, adding that some experience no symptoms at all, while others notice a thin grey or white discharge, a strong fish-like odour, often more noticeable after sex and itching or a burning sensation during urination.

He is quick to say because the signs might be mild and can be confused with other conditions; hence many women delay seeking medical care and BV frequently goes undiagnosed.

“People tend to associate vaginal infections with pain or intense discomfort but BV doesn’t always present that way, so women may ignore it or self-treat without realising what’s going on,” says Dr Hossain.

He clarifies that BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted illness, but sexual activity can influence its occurrence and recurrence.“BV is acquired, not sexually transmitted in the strict sense. However, intimate contact can facilitate transfer, especially when one partner has recurrent infections,” Dr Hossain notes.

Still, BV can affect women who are not sexually active, reinforcing that hygiene habits and product use also play a significant role.

He says that explains why some women experience repeated episodes even after treatment.

According to Dr Hossain, BV symptoms can range from mild to disruptive. 

Some women report itching, abnormal discharge, burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, or reduced libido, while others experience no discomfort at all. “In many cases, the only complaint is a strong, unpleasant odour. There may be no itching, no pain, just the smell,” he adds.

The medic says the discharge might appear thin and watery or thick and milky, often accompanied by a foul or fishy odour.

Dr Hossain warned that certain lifestyle and hygiene practices could increase the risk of BV. 

Frequent bubble baths, inadequate genital drying and tight or minimal underwear, particularly G-strings, could promote bacterial movement from the anal area to the front.

“The distance is very short in women. G-strings allow bacteria to travel from back to front, increasing the risk of infection,” he notes.

He advises washing the genital area with warm water, drying thoroughly, and avoiding underwear styles that encourage bacterial transfer.

Women with poorly controlled diabetes, weakened immunity, advanced age, or chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable.

Because BV rarely involves a single organism, treatment often includes a combination of antibiotics, antifungal medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

“You cannot always identify just one cause. That is why treatment is usually combined, to address all possibilities and relieve symptoms.”

Dr Hossain emphasises the need for accurate public education and urges women to seek medical advice early rather than self-treat or ignore symptoms.“This is not about blame or shame. It is about understanding the body, maintaining hygiene, and getting proper treatment before the condition becomes recurrent or chronic,” he adds.

The condition might not always announce itself loudly, but its impact can be profound.

He says by understanding how everyday habits, from bubble baths to sexual practices affect vaginal health, women can make informed choices and protect their well-being. 

“Open conversations and accurate information remain essential in bringing this common condition out of the shadows,’ Dr Hossain advises.

A woman, speaking on anonymity says she suffered from bacterial vaginosis without knowing what it was.

“I initially felt that something was off. Subtle discomfort that gradually turned into persistent symptoms I could no longer ignore. Eventually, it began to affect my confidence, my workdays and even my sleep,” she says.

She adds that she felt embarrassed and this was taking over her daily life, as she felt ashamed to seek medical care, worried that the foul smell would imply promiscuity or some serious illness. 

Because of this fear, she first turned to traditional herbs for help.

“I had never encountered anyone with such an awful smell, so I didn’t want to talk about it,” she says. 

She carried a water bottle to wash her private parts whenever she used the bathroom, but after some time, the smell would return.

Later, she says she resorted to using perfume on her body to mask the odour. However, the relief was only temporary. 

“After some time, I could smell myself again and I knew it had come back. Eventually, I gathered the courage to visit a private gynaecologist. Within a week, I was clear, no smell and my confidence was back,” she recalls joyfully.

She calls on both men and women to learn more about vaginal health, as understanding that vaginal health is about balance, not sterility and could help women make informed choices.

The lady reiterates the importance of avoiding unnecessary douching, practicing safer sex and seeking medical advice as soon as symptoms appear.

“In the end, bacterial vaginosis is not just a medical condition. It is a reminder that everyday health issues can carry significant consequences when ignored. Bringing BV into the spotlight may be one of the simplest ways to improve women’s health outcomes, one conversation at a time,” she notes. ENDS

Buy Online Now!