Clinical trial on bacterial vaginosis
The Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital is participating in a clinical trial on bacterial vaginosis, with doctors Sebastián Sessa and Alfonso Duque . For this reason, the doctors have answered some questions about this vaginal infection in a video that you can watch again on Dr. Isabel Rodríguez-Piñero 's Instagram account.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Vaginosis is the most common gynecological condition. When there is an alteration in discharge, the most common cause is vaginosis, especially in young women of childbearing age.
This is therefore the most common vulvovaginal infection in women . It is more likely to occur before menopause. It is caused by an imbalance of the microorganisms present in the vagina. Of these microorganisms, scientifically known as the microbiota, a large proportion are considered beneficial, primarily lactobacilli, which have a defensive function, provided they are in complete balance.
It's important to note that bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection . However, maintaining a healthy vaginal flora is essential for protection against STIs, such as herpes and chlamydia.
Thus, the key to maintaining balance is that the microbiota is dominated by Lactovacillus, compared to the rest of the microorganisms found in the vagina.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is clinical . The woman comes to the consultation with the most typical symptoms . The most frequent is odor (identified as a very strong, fishy smell). Not all women experience this striking odor, but when it is present, it significantly impacts their quality of life. Furthermore, the odor often coincides with menstruation and commonly worsens after sexual intercourse.
Therefore, when a change in the odor of vaginal secretions or changes in the discharge itself are noticed , it is important to consult a doctor to have a vaginal culture or any other type of study performed to determine if there is an infection.
Furthermore, if left untreated, it tends to recur repeatedly, a condition known as recurrent vaginosis . Moreover, if diagnosis is delayed and the problem persists, achieving a return to normal can take months of treatment.
What other symptoms do you have?
It is usually accompanied by changes in the color of the discharge (yellowish, greenish, grayish) and can also cause discomfort : itching, burning, even stinging after urinating… It also depends a lot on people's tolerance, since we are talking about an alteration in the vaginal pH, and there are skins that have more or less sensitivity.
How is the treatment?
Two approaches are taken: first, antibiotic treatment to restore the vaginal flora, and second, probiotics to aid recovery and prevent recurrence. It is crucial to remember that this treatment interacts very negatively with alcohol, so not even a single glass of wine can be consumed during the 8 days of treatment.
There are also other treatments that can be administered topically or vaginally for those who do not want oral treatment, which have not been as successful, but which can be an option B.
Clinical trial on bacterial vaginosis
At the Women's Unit of Ruber International Hospital , Doctors Duque and Sessa are conducting a clinical trial addressing the treatment and management of bacterial vaginosis. Traditionally, it has been treated with antibiotics, but this is not always effective because, on the one hand, it is sometimes poorly tolerated, and on the other hand, recurrences are common.
It's important to understand that this problem stems from an imbalance in the vaginal flora , and this imbalance isn't treated simply by eliminating the infection. Treatment involves not only antibiotics but also restoring the vaginal flora through probiotic therapy, and that's the focus of this clinical trial.
Probiotics are a relatively recent addition to the market. Current treatment protocols for this condition include a fairly strong antibiotic. The aim of this trial is to determine whether administering probiotics will improve tolerance and reduce the recurrence rate . If the trial is successful, it will likely lead to changes in treatment protocols in many places.
If you also suffer from recurrent vaginosis , you can participate in the trial by contacting the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital . It's important to note that at the Women's Unit, we guarantee that all women will receive treatment for vaginosis. However, as this is a study, some women will receive the probiotic along with the antibiotic, while others will receive a placebo, as the goal is to demonstrate the probiotic's effectiveness.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling 917303673, schedule an in-person appointment , or book an online consultation if you prefer; always with top specialists.
