The vagina has a delicate balance of PH and good bacteria that keeps it healthy and happy. Many things, both sexually and in daily care and grooming, can upset this balance. A new study has shown that oral sex can be one of the factors that can cause a vaginal infection.

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is an imbalance of harmful bacteria in the vagina that can cause discomfort and a foul smelling discharge. The discharge may be greyish white and watery, with a strong, fishy smell. A study from the University of California has linked a common bacteria in the mouth with bacterial vaginosis. The bacteria, called fusobacterium nucleatum, is associated with oral health issues such as gum disease and plaque. This bacteria has been shown to aid in the growth of other bacteria that leads to bacterial vaginosis when transferred over from the mouth to the vagina during oral sex.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, nor is it a serious infection on it’s own. It can, however, leave women open to catching an STI or a urinary tract infection. It can also cause issues for pregnant women, including premature birth. It can be easily treated with oral antibiotics or topical gels or creams after a minimally invasive swab test from your healthcare provider. As always, never hesitate to consult your health care provider with any health concerns, sexual or otherwise.

Never fear, you do not need to shy away from oral sex. The risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis from oral sex is fairly low. Precaution can be taken by you and your partner or partners to lower the risk of being affected by this oral bacteria. First and foremost, your partner should take care of their oral health. This benefits both you and your partner. Proper oral health will reduce fusobacterium nucleatum and lessen the chance of bacterial vaginosis from oral sex. A dental dam used during oral sex is also always a help to stop the transfer of bacteria from the mouth to the vagina.

Steps can be taken to limit your likelihood of having bacterial vaginosis in general. First and foremost, avoid douching. Not using a douche is a key step for your general vaginal health. Do not douche or "wash" inside your vagina, even with plain water. Douching can lower the amount of "good" bacteria as well as throw off the PH balance in your vagina and leave you more susceptible to bacterial infection. You should also avoid perfumes, deodorants, harsh soaps, and antiseptic products around or in the vagina. BV can be caused by a change of partner for penis in vagina sex as well. The use of a condom can lower his risk.

Another step that can be taken is to avoid sugary lubricants, or oral enhancement gels that contain sugar. Most gels contain artificial sweeteners, but check with your sexual health advisor to be sure you are not introducing sugars through oral enhancements.

Proper care of the vagina is always the first step to sexual health for women. Taking these steps can keep you healthy and your sex life happy. So be sure to enjoy good oral hygiene and even better oral sex.

The Sun

BBC News

Mayo Clinic