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Bacterial vaginosis is a much familiar and feared condition that women will have either suffered, or spend every day trying to prevent. Bacterial vaginosis BV for short is just another common vaginal infection that women around the world are getting treatment for. Women have every right to fear BV, but not in the sense of "am I going to die." More like fear of the inconvenience and unpleasantries it causes.
There is something about vaginal infections, and how they cause mayhem in a woman's life, but not half as much as the confusion. All infections bring symptoms, and in the instance of an infection linked to the vagina particular symptoms of one disease can be pretty much the same as the next. It is vital that the differences between certain infections are pointed out to help avoid any confusion which could result in treating the wrong condition. To effectively treat a vaginal infection and be rid of it is to know the type you have. No treatment will ever cure if not created for the sole purpose other than what it was specially formulated for. For instance: sticking a band aid on your head to relieve a headache.
Bacterial Vaginosis, once called Gardnerella Vaginitis is common, and caused by an overgrowth of various bacteria. Unlike other conditions BV is not solely caused by one bacterium. Primary symptom of BV is a vaginal discharge which often appears whitish-grey with a distinct odor. The odor (fishy smell) has been described as nastily offensive. Certain times the odor becomes more pungent like when having sexual intercourse. Discharge also tends to show heavy after a period. Bacterial Vaginosis is not known for causing itchiness or soreness around the vagina/vulva. Is this a good thing or bad? Neither, it is a vaginal infection end of story, and all infections need to be analyzed by your GP. Just because there's no pain doesn't mean it can't be serious.
Many women suffering with BV do not have symptoms. Although we speak of vaginal discharge being a primary symptom of the BV infection there are also other various conditions that can cause discharge. One to name is thrush (an infection caused by yeast called candida). Thrush discharge is typically thick and white, and unlike BV known to cause itchiness and soreness around the vagina/vulva. It is highly unlikely with BV to bring discomforts as such, nonetheless there is always the first time for everything.
Still today we don't know why BV occurs but thankfully what we do know is how to treat and cure it. Of course not having true reasons for it happening makes it more difficult to prevent. BV is a mass 'overgrowth' of various bacteria in the vagina. The vagina naturally hosts room for harmless bacteria. Like it or not it's there and there for a reason which is, it helps fight harmful germs (namely candida the cause of thrush). In BV, there is a change in the balance of the typical bacteria in the vagina, and certain bacteria proliferate and thrive more than expected. Explanation given for these changes taking place is, "a change in the bacterial flora of the vagina from mostly lactobacillus species to high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria."
You are not to think for one minute that you have this infection because you're dirty. Dirty people give rise to vaginal odor quicker than to infection, however it is essential to keep a good hygiene pact with the genitals because dirt and grime can cause other infections if permitted to enter the skin. Lack of cleanliness can cause you to itch which could lead to tearing the skin where the dirt can get in. BV is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, extreme cleansing of the vagina may alter the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, which may make BV more likely to develop.
- Prevent bacteria spreading. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back, away from the vagina.
- Wash the vulva thoroughly and keep it dry
- Don't douche and avoid irritating agents such as feminine sprays and harsh soaps.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing around the genitals to give them room to breathe. Tight garments and particular fabrics can trap moisture.
Every woman is vulnerable. But BV is more common in women who have an intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD) and them that smoke. Bacterial vaginosis is said not to be caused by sexual intercourse. The possible complications from bacterial vaginosis mainly occur if women ignore the problem and don't get treated for it. Untreated BV during pregnancy increases the risk of developing difficulties like early labour, miscarriage, having a low birth weight baby or developing an infection of the uterus after childbirth. Leaving BV without treatment raises the risk of developing HIV infection if you have sex with someone who is infected. It is also said there is an increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease. BV has been known to gradually clear without treatment, as the balance of bacteria in the vagina may correct itself. Nevertheless don't leave anything to chance because of the risk factors mentioned above.
If your GP has diagnosed Bacterial Vaginosis then treatment prescribed is usually Metronidazole antibiotic tablets. Of course other could be suggested due to you the individual and your medical history, and severity of the infection.
About metronidazole:
- It is standard for 400 mg to be given to the patient to take twice a day for a week. A single dose of 2 grams may not be effective and cause side-effects.
- Some women suffer from regular bouts of vomiting when they take metronidazole. To help kerb sickness, tablets should be taken after food.
- A metallic taste in the mouth is another side-effect.
- You are not to drink alcohol while taking metronidazole. Drinking alcohol can cause you to spew and other problems such as flushing and an increased pulse rate.
- Ask your GP for more details about metronidazole if you are breastfeeding, it can get into breast milk but is not thought to affect babies. Nonetheless have your doctor give his/her advice on the matter.
- If you are taking birth control then remember that antibiotics can interfere with their purpose.
I am not going to mention yoghurt, as you may well be sick of reading about how good it is for soothing BV symptoms because it's a natural treatment, and that if you eat a pot of live natural yogurt daily it helps replenish the body's own stores of beneficial bacteria. Nope, I've decided not to mention what you may be fed up of hearing.
Tea tree oil has mighty natural antibacterial properties. Add a few drops in the bath to help kill harmful bacteria. Or add a couple of cups of cider vinegar to warm bath water to help bring natural balance back to the vagina.
Always seek GP advice before practicing new methods to treat your Bacterial Vaginosis.
Bacterial Vaginosis, what again? About Vaginitis & Other Vaginal Issues
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