Bacterial Vaginosis – A Brief Explanation

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a fishy vaginal odor usually caused by bacterial infection. The vagina is a good breeding ground for bacteria -both good and bad. Its characteristic is actually a perfect bacterial breeding ground -moist and warm. Health experts explain that when all existing bacteria in the vagina become imbalanced, a vaginal discharge follows and next is infection.

Not a Sexually Transmitted Disease

Contrary to old belief, BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This condition can be very embarrassing and distressing, but it is not considered dangerous — unless it is treated immediately. At the first sign of an unusual discharge, consulting a doctor may be a good option. This is to ensure that it is not any other dangerous infection such as gonorrhea.

Common Symptoms

An unusual white or grayish discharge characterized by a fishy odor is the most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis. The vaginal area can be itchy, and irritation may be felt. In some cases, discomfort when urinating and pain after having sex are also noticeable. Other women found no symptoms at all, except for the unusual discharge.

The Root Cause

As mentioned earlier, the root cause is an imbalance in the bacteria thriving inside the vagina. However, determining the exact bacteria causing this infection is not possible.

Diagnosis

The most common test doctors’ use is the whiff test. A solution is dropped into a vaginal discharge for testing. Another test is to take samples of the discharge and examine it under a microscope. Doctors also perform pelvic examination to make sure that there are no other serious problems.

The Treatment

Using antibiotics is commonly used as treatment. If an infection recurs, another phase of treatment is administered. However, taking up antibiotics can cause another problem – yeast infection. For this reason, women prefer to take herbal remedies for this problem.

Prevention

Health experts always remind people that prevention is better than any cure. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, women can do many things to prevent it.

• Drinking a lot of water daily helps flush out bad bacteria in the body. Moreover, it helps replenish lost fluids needed by the cells to regenerate. Healthy cells promote a healthy body.
• Being clean and hygienic can prevent bad bacteria from proliferating. Washing up the vaginal area with clean or purified water daily helps prevent bacterial infection. However, health experts do not recommend washing frequently since it can dry up the skin around the vagina.
• Regularly changing into clean underwear also helps prevent bacterial infection.

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