Women’s Health Clinic
Caring Since 2005
Caring Since 2005
Dr. Tan & Partners (DTAP) clinic provides holistic and comprehensive Women’s Health services in our Women’s clinics.
Since 2005, our women’s clinics have been treating local and foreign patients with women’s sexual health and reproductive health-related issues.
Our women’s health doctors are experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing women’s health-related problems.
We provide a private and discreet environment for you to discuss your medical issues with our female doctors at our Robertson Branch and DUO Galleria Branch.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection affecting women aged 15 to 44 and many women may suffer from recurrent episodes of infection during their lifetime.
While BV is found in sexually active individuals, it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. The vagina contains normal flora and when the balance between ‘good’ and ‘harmful’ bacteria is disrupted, bacterial vaginosis may occur. Normal Lactobacillus (‘good’ bacteria) are replaced with a variety of ‘harmful’ bacteria – e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma.
In some women, this imbalance may persist for longer periods of time, leading to recurrence or persistence of symptoms.
The most common sign of bacterial vaginosis is abnormal and/or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Some women may also experience itching, discomfort or spotting.
It is important to note that bacterial vaginosis may be asymptomatic i.e. they may feel completely well.
Possible Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis:
None of the abovementioned symptoms is specific to BV and a high vaginal swab test is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. This swab may be done in conjunction with looking for other common vaginal infections like yeast infections, or co-existent sexually transmitted infections.
The exact reason or mechanism resulting in bacterial vaginosis is not known, however, several risk factors have been identified and avoiding these may potentially reduce the risk of infection or recurrence.
Some factors that may trigger or increase the risk of BV include:
Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis is in the form of a course of oral antibiotics or topical creams.
During treatment, one should abstain from intercourse as this may affect treatment success. The usage of feminine douches is also discouraged as it may increase the recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis. Alcohol should also be avoided as it may interact with certain medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of BV.
Treatment is recommended for individuals with symptoms but asymptomatic individuals should seek treatment too, as BV increases the risk of one contracting other sexually transmitted infections including HIV and can also lead to issues during pregnancy including premature birth.
There is no research evidence to show that treatment of a woman’s male sexual partner will reduce the recurrence of BV.
Certain sexually transmitted infections e.g. chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if left untreated, may spread upwards to affect the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries, resulting in a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease, which may, in turn, lead to scarring and potential infertility.
Some common recurrent vaginal infections include yeast (candida) infections and bacterial vaginosis. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may also recur if not fully treated.
The identification of triggers such as sexual intercourse and the use of over-the-counter feminine douches may be useful in reducing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
For sexually transmitted infections, the correct use of condoms/barrier protection, as well as limiting the number of sexual partners reduces the risk of transmission and recurrent infections.
Are you troubled by itching or abnormal discharge? If you are worried that you have Bacterial Vaginosis, or if you have suffered from repeat episodes of BV, you may wish to come down to any of our clinics where our doctors will be more than glad to advise you further on tests and treatment.
Get the latest news and articles by our doctors
Teleconsultation is available with DTAP Clinic. Our teleconsult service allows both current and new patients to connect with our doctors during clinic operating hours for non-emergency consults.
After assessment and consultation, we will also deliver your medications straight to your doorstep!
Proudly Supporting:
Proudly Supporting: