Doctors finally solve the mystery of the link between bacterial vaginosis and premature births in landmark study

Doctors think they have finally solved one of the most perplexing medical problems that has long stumped women’s health experts. 

It is well-known that bacterial vaginosis – the most common vaginal infection – is linked to an increased risk of serious complications in pregnancy and even sexually transmitted infections. 

Regularly suffering the problem – which happens when healthy vaginal bacteria grow out of control – is thought to double the risk of miscarriage, according to studies.

But until now, experts haven’t understood why.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal condition which, if left untreated, can lead to a higher risk of STIs, as well as problems in pregnancy such as miscarriage and preterm birth

Researchers at University of California San Diego think they have worked out how the bacteria disrupts vagina health.

By looking at vaginal cells under a microscope, they saw that certain bacterial species dismantle protective molecules on the surface of cells lining the genital tissue – called epithelial cells.

This disrupts vital processes that help damaged cells to repair themselves, and intereferes with the bacterial flora.

If the balance of healthy and unhealthy bugs is off-kilter, this can harm delicate internal tissue, ultimately leading to problems in pregnancy. 

Study author Amanda Lewis, professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at UC San Diego, said: ‘The fact that we were able to replicate some of the effects of bacterial vaginosis suggests that we may be on the right track to finding a common cellular origin for the various complications associated with this condition.’

Studying the surface of vaginal epithelial cells at this level of detail could help make diagnosing bacterial vaginosis easier, the researchers said.

They also suggest that looking for tell-tale changes in cells may also allow doctors to identify women at risk of complications like premature births.

The findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition in women – which is marked by an imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria (such as Gardnerella vaginalis, pictured) that are normally found in the vagina

Callum Butler (pictured) was born at just 25 weeks into his mother’s pregnancy. His mother Amanda was later told an infection she had, called bacterial vaginosis, was to blame. The condition can also cause miscarriage

Although BV is not an STI, it increases a woman’s risk of catching a sexually-transmitted infection.

This is because the infection erodes the vagina’s natural barrier, making it easier for germs to enter the body during sex.

BV, which affects roughly one in three women at some point in their lives, is caused by a change to the delicate bacterial balance in a woman’s vagina. 

The most common symptom is a fishy-smelling discharge, particularly after sex. 

There may also be a change to the discharge’s color or texture, such as it becoming grey or watery.

But half of women with BV experience no symptoms.

If a woman suspects she has BV, she should go to her GP or sexual-health clinic to confirm it is not an STI. 

Once diagnosed – via a cotton bud ‘smear’ – BV is usually treated via prescribed antibiotic tablets, or gels or creams.

Those who get it more than twice in six months will need treatment for up to half-a-year. 

BV can be prevented by using just water to wash the genital area and opting for showers over baths.

Perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants, douches, strong detergents and even smoking raise a woman’s risk of the condition. 

BV is more common in those who are sexually active, have recently changed their partner or have ‘the coil’. 

If ‘caught’ during pregnancy, BV can lead to a premature birth or miscarriage.