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Bacterial Vaginosis - Bacterial Vaginosis symptom, treatment, causes

In Bacterial Vaginosis, suffix 'osis' means 'a condition of, Bacterial vaginosis, also called non-specific vaginitis. does not cause inflammation of the vaginal, but it is a common reason for abnormal vaginal discharge. It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that normally live in the vagina in small quantities. The main bacterium found in this condition is Gardnerella vaginalis, but occasionally other bacteria (including anaerobes - bacteria that can live and grow without oxygen) seem to be the cause. when other bacteria flourish in the vagina its normal inhabitants. the Doderlein's bacilli, are overwhelmed and cannot maintain its healthy acidity. The vaginal environment becomes totally disturbed as a result of this.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. In order to stay healthy, your vagina maintains a balance of good bacteria (called lactobacilli) and bad bacteria (called anaerobes). Sometimes, the balance of these bacteria shifts, and the bad bacteria begin to take over. This results in bacterial vaginosis. Also known as non-specific vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis is thought to affect a large percentage of women of child-bearing age. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.

Bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis is an inflammation which occurs in the vagina and includes several strains of germ that cause bacterial vaginosis yeast infections and trichomoniasis. BV is the least understood and most often ignored or misdiagnosed of these conditions. However, it is gaining more attention as more research shows that untreated BV can lead to significant health complications, including premature delivery, postpartum infections, clinically apparent and subclinical pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), post-surgical complications (after abortion, hysterectomy, cesarean section and other reproductive procedures), increased vulnerability to HIV infection and, possibly, infertility. As many as one-third of pregnant women in the United States have BV. BV is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Although it is less common in women who have never had sex, there is evidence that it could be linked to having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners. Also, douching appears to increase the risk of developing BV. A healthy vagina has numerous organisms that naturally live there. The vast majority about 95 percent belong to a type of bacteria called lactobacillus.

Symptom of Bacterial Vaginosis

The most common complaint is a bad smell from the vagina, often noticed most after intercourse and often described as a sour, cheesy or fishy smell. There may also be a smelly discharge that varies from greyish to yellow in colour. Bacterial vaginosis rarely causes itching, redness or tenderness of the genitals. or pain with sex.

Some common Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis :

• Vaginal itching and irritation.
• Fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex.
• There is usually a discharge, which is watery and greyish-white in colour.
• Vaginal soreness after intercourse.
• Smelly, watery, grey or yellow vaginal discharge.
• Many women have no symptoms.

Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis

The smell and the appearance of the discharge in a non-inflamed vagina are suspicious, especially if the vagina is less acid than usual (this is t~sted by placing a strip of litmus paper against its wall). If on-the-spot microscopic examination of a drop of the discharge shows no Doderlein's bacilli but very many other bacteria and 'clue' cells (vaginal lining cells with bacteria all over their surfaces). the diagnosis is pretty sure. If any doubt remains, a swab of the discharge can be sent to a laboratory for further tests.

Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis

If bacterial vaginosis is causing symptoms, treatment is by mouth with the anti-biotics metronidazole or tinidazole, which will kill the culprit bacteria so that the Doderlein's bacilli can regrow and re-establish normal vaginal acidity. For the first attack a single dose is usually effective. If the problem recurs a longer course generally gives better results. Very troublesome recurrences may be helped by both oral tablets and the use of an antibiotic cream in the vagina. If G.vaginal is is found by chance lin swabs or a Pap smear) and there are no symptoms, no treatment is needed

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis

The common Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis :

• Smoking .
• Having sex without a condom..
• Using douches or feminine sprays.
• Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control .
• Having a new sexual partner, or multiple partners.