What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
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acterial vaginosis (BV) is the most general cause of vaginal infection known as vaginitis. Normally it is not considered to be a 'sexually transmitted infection'. It is the imbalance of naturally happening bacterial flora that causes bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial Vaginosis is condition that can produce vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the reproductive system. In the past, the condition was called Gardnerella , after the bacteria that were thought to cause the condition. However, the newer name, bv, reflects the fact that there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the reproductive area and may grow to excess. The Gardnerella organism is not the sole culprit causing the symptoms. When these multiple species of bacteria become imbalanced, a woman can have a vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Researchers have had difficulty determining exactly what causes Bacterial Vaginosis. At present, it seems to be that a combination of multiple bacteria must be present together for the problem to develop. Bacterial Vaginosis typically features a reduction in the number of the normal hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli in the female vagina. Simultaneously, there is an increase in concentration of other types of bacteria, especially anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen). As a result, the diagnosis and treatment are not as simple as identifying and eradicating a single type of bacteria. Why the bacteria combine to cause the infection is unknown.
Certain factors have been identified that increase the chances of developing Bacterial Vaginosis . These include multiple or new sexual partners, vaginal douching, and cigarette smoking. However, the role of sexual activity in the development of the condition is not fully understood, and Bacterial Vaginosis can still develop in women who have not had sexual intercourse
What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
The most obvious sign of bacterial infection is an unpleasant foul, often fishy odor. Itching and/or burning sometimes accompany bacterial infections, but are not a required symptom for a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Many times women are unaware they are infected until they are diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear. It is important that you don't use vaginal douches during the few days preceding your visit to your gynecologist as douching can hide signs of infection and may make bacterial vaginosis infections worse.
Bacterial Vaginosis is condition that can produce vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the reproductive system. In the past, the condition was called Gardnerella , after the bacteria that were thought to cause the condition. However, the newer name, bv, reflects the fact that there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the reproductive area and may grow to excess. The Gardnerella organism is not the sole culprit causing the symptoms. When these multiple species of bacteria become imbalanced, a woman can have a vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Researchers have had difficulty determining exactly what causes Bacterial Vaginosis. At present, it seems to be that a combination of multiple bacteria must be present together for the problem to develop. Bacterial Vaginosis typically features a reduction in the number of the normal hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli in the female vagina. Simultaneously, there is an increase in concentration of other types of bacteria, especially anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen). As a result, the diagnosis and treatment are not as simple as identifying and eradicating a single type of bacteria. Why the bacteria combine to cause the infection is unknown.
Certain factors have been identified that increase the chances of developing Bacterial Vaginosis . These include multiple or new sexual partners, vaginal douching, and cigarette smoking. However, the role of sexual activity in the development of the condition is not fully understood, and Bacterial Vaginosis can still develop in women who have not had sexual intercourse
What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
The most obvious sign of bacterial infection is an unpleasant foul, often fishy odor. Itching and/or burning sometimes accompany bacterial infections, but are not a required symptom for a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Many times women are unaware they are infected until they are diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear. It is important that you don't use vaginal douches during the few days preceding your visit to your gynecologist as douching can hide signs of infection and may make bacterial vaginosis infections worse.
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