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Oral Sex Linked To Vaginal Condition Bacterial Vaginosis
BV bacteria covering cells
Oral sex may create an environment for a common vaginal condition called bacterial vaginosis or BV, according to research in the journal PLoS Biology.
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is an imbalance of the usual bacteria found in the vagina.
Women who have it may have no symptoms, but some get a strong-smelling discharge.
Researchers explored what effect mouth bacteria have on microbes that live and grow in the vagina.
About BV
BV is not usually serious, but should be treated because having BV makes women more vulnerable to catching sexually transmitted diseases and getting urinary infections.
If the woman is pregnant, it increases the risk of premature birth.
How can you tell if you have it?
It is quite common and women who have it may notice they have an unusual discharge that has a strong fishy smell.
You may notice a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
Your GP or sexual health clinic could arrange for a swab test to see if you have BV.
If the result is positive, it can be treated with antibiotic tablets, gels or creams.
What did the new research find?
Women without BV tend to have plenty of "good" bacteria called lactobacilli that keep the vagina more acidic, with a lower pH.
Sometimes this healthy balance can tip and let other vaginal micro-organisms thrive.
What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get BV if:
The study in PLoS Biology showed how a common type of bacteria found in the mouth that is linked with gum disease and dental plaque may support BV.
They did experiments in human vaginal specimens and in mice to look at bacterial behaviour.
The mouth bacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum, appeared to aid the growth of other bacteria implicated in BV.
The researchers, Dr Amanda Lewis from the University of California and colleagues, say the findings show how oral sex might contribute to some cases of BV.
Experts already know that BV can be triggered by sex, including between women.
Prof Claudia Estcourt, spokesperson for the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said research such as this was important to add to the understanding of BV.
"We know BV is a really complex entity with lots of contributing factors."
She said oral sex could pass on sexually transmitted infections and other bacteria that may or may not be important in other health conditions.
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Painful Warning Signs In Your Mouth Could Mean You Are Lacking This Vital Vitamin
A sore or red tongue as well as mouth ulcers could signal a vitamin B12 deficiency (Image: Getty)
The NHS has warned people that a painful symptom in the mouth could indicate a serious and even potentially dangerous vitamin deficiency. Certain vitamins and minerals are needed to help the body to function to the best of its ability.
By eating a healthy, balanced diet we should be able to get all the nutrients we need. However, sometimes people can be deficient in certain vitamins.
Vitamin B12 is one such nutrient that can cause real problems if someone is deficient. Found primarily in animal products such as meat, cheese and eggs, it can be a common deficiency among vegetarians and vegans.
It is needed to keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy. Without it blood cells are unable to properly transport oxygen around, which can lead to anaemia.
Foods rich in B12 include meat, cheese, eggs and milk (Image:
Getty)Common symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, pins and needles, and weight loss. But, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, two signs that show up in your mouth can also suggest you are lacking the nutrient.
The NHS states that a sore and red tongue, medically referred to as glossitis, could be a sign of a deficiency. When a person has glossitis, the tongue changes colour and shape, making it painful, red and swollen.
The inflammation also makes the tongue look smooth, as the tiny bumps on the tongue that contain the taste buds stretch out and disappear. Mouth ulcers are also a potential symptom.
Other signs to look for include:
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Mirror
In some cases a vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), such as:
The NHS warns that these can be permanent if the deficiency has gone on for a long time. "If neurological problems do develop, they can sometimes be irreversible," the health body says.
If you are deficient in B12 you might be required to take daily supplements (Image:
Getty)The deficiency has also been linked to infertility, stomach cancer, and birth defects. If you experience symptoms of a B12 deficiency and altering your diet has made no difference you should speak to your GP. They might want to test your blood to check for a deficiency.
They might recommend you take daily B12 supplements that are available from most pharmacies. However, if your deficiency is more serious you might require a series of prescribed injections.
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