Bacterial vaginosis or BV is a vaginal condition that results from overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vaginal area. There is not enough good bacteria and this causes bacteria to grow that is harmful and puts the vaginal environment out of balance. This is the most common type of vaginal infection. It is not dangerous to the body, but can cause some uneasy symptoms.
The symptoms include vaginal discharge and odor and normally no other symptoms will occur. The amount of discharge will vary from woman to woman because what is considered normal is different for everyone. Most women will have the infection with no symptoms while others will have odor with discharge. The discharge is usually a grayish white color and thin in texture and more noticeable after intercourse. Other symptoms might sometimes include burning or itching.
There is no certain cause for the imbalance of this bacteria, but some things will put your body at a higher risk. This includes: having multiple sex partners, smoking, douching and having a female sex partner.
Antibiotics are the treatment for bacterial vaginosis. There are few that are usually used. It is possible for the infection to reoccur after successfully been treated. Many who have been treated do have recurring symptoms within the next 12 months. To diagnosis this infection, the doctor will perform a few tests and look at the discharge under a microscope. Checking the acid level will help determine if it is BV.
Metronidazole and clindamycin are the two most common antibiotics used. Metronidazole comes in either tablet form or a topical gel for insertion. The oral form of the generic metronidazole is the most common antibiotic prescribed. It is given at a dose of 500 milligrams two times a day for one week.
The infection can clear up without any complications after been treated. In pregnancy, it can cause premature labor, premature birth and infections. It is not usually serious but can cause infections in the fallopian tubes and uterus. It is very important to treat this type of infection before having an IUD, an abortion, or any tests done on the lining of the uterus.
Many times bacterial vaginosis can be prevented with good vaginal health. Wipe your area from front to back to avoiding spreading bacteria. Keep the area outside of the vaginal area clean and dry. Do no ever douche. Do not use feminine hygiene sprays, or harsh soaps. Wear clothing that allows your body to breathe and not trap moisture. And using a condom may lower the chance of BV recurring again.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 