Can Drinking Wine Cause Bacterial Vaginosis?

 

While the alcohol in wine may interact with some antibiotic treatments, it's not considered a cause of bacterial vaginosis. In fact, a moderate consumption of red wine may actually reduce your chances of getting bacterial vaginosis by promoting the number of probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, in your body. For best results, talk to your doctor about the different treatment options available for your condition.

Definition

Bacterial vaginosis is a type of inflammation that results from the overgrowth of different bacteria in the vagina. While the specific causes of the condition are still unknown, women who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse or frequent douching are at a higher risk, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Most healthy women maintain a balance between the lactobacilli and anaerobes, or beneficial and harmful, bacteria. When the anaerobic bacteria becomes overpopulated, the natural balance of your vagina becomes compromised, resulting in symptoms such as itching, irritation, foul odor, grayish discharge, burning during urination and light vaginal bleeding.

The Connection

The lactobacillus family of probiotics plays a crucial role in keeping your anaerobic bacteria in check. According to the University of Michigan Health System, cultured dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, are particularly high in probiotics. Additionally, foods such as red wine, berries, apples, beans and tea cause the probiotics in these dairy products to multiply in the body, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in your digestive and urinary systems. As a result, it's possible that a responsible, moderate intake of red wine may potentially reduce the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment and Complications

Women with bacterial vaginosis are sometimes recommended antibiotic medications to help cull the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina. Other treatment options include pills and vaginal creams such as clindamycin, metronidazole and tinidazole. According to the website Drugs.com, the alcohol in wine may react to these and other medicines used to treat bacterial vaginosis. For best results, talk to your doctor about the safety of combining wine with your medication.

Safety Concerns

While some cases of bacterial vaginosis are relatively benign, others may lead to more serious conditions, such as preterm birth, sexually transmitted infections and post-surgical infections, according to MayoClinic.com. Additionally, some cases may be asymptomatic, and don't appear to cause any particular symptom. Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have bacterial vaginosis.