Bacterial Vaginosis: A Common Issue

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is thrown off by some factor.  Every vagina contains bacteria, but when the balance is disturbed, it gives certain kinds of bacteria a chance to grow stronger and faster than the other kinds.  Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal problems affecting women of childbearing age.

What are the symptoms?

The most noticeable symptom of BV is a fishy odor emitting from the vagina.  This can be embarrassing and all women who suffer from this symptom want it gone as soon as possible.  Other symptoms include unusual discharge, itching, burning, pain, or redness.

How do you get bacterial vaginosis?

As noted before, BV is caused when problem-causing bacteria grows out of control and overtakes the healthy bacteria in the vagina.  It isn’t fully understood why this happens, but health professionals have a few guesses.  First, there needs to be something that upsets the balance of vaginal bacteria.  Douching, while it’s supposed to be healthy for the vagina, is known to sometimes destroy the good bacteria along with the bad.  Having new or multiple sex partners also puts women at higher risk for developing bacterial vaginosis.

Is it dangerous?

BV usually doesn’t cause serious problems, but in some cases it can.  The risks of BV mostly involve STDs and complications with pregnancy.  A woman with this type of infection is more likely to contract or spread HIV, and also to contract other STDs like herpes and Chlamydia.  Pregnant women with BV are more likely to have premature babies, or babies with low birth weights.  Although these complications are rare, it should be enough to make anyone seek treatment as soon as possible.

So what are the treatments?

The treatments for bacterial vaginosis are simple.  Once you’re evaluated by a doctor, he or she will prescribe you antibiotics to treat the infection.  Not everyone is comfortable with antibiotics, though.  If you’re one of these people, there are at home remedies available as well.  Most of these involve using ingredients you already have in your kitchen to restore balance to the vagina.

What happens afterwards?

Bacterial vaginosis can recur after the original treatment.  Taking preventative steps to keep your vaginal bacteria balanced is the best way to prevent recurrence.  Always practice safe sex, avoid excessive douching, and eliminate any items in your home that could cause irritation to the vagina (like scented toilet paper or tampons).

A bacterial infection isn’t something that has to stand in the way of your life.  Good vaginal health means never having to deal with bacterial vaginosis again.