Bacterial vaginosis or BV is the most common vaginal infection in the United States, accounting for more than 10 million doctor visits each year. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the balance of microorganisms found in a healthy vagina. While a healthy vagina normally has many microorganisms in it, BV is the result of an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and a lack of the normal lactobacillary flora. BV is sometimes referred to as Gardnerella; though Gardnerella is really just one of the normal vaginal bacteria found in excess during bacterial vaginosis.
Depending on the severity of the infection and the bacteria behind the infection, a woman may experience an assortment of symptoms, or she may be totally asymptomatic. Symptoms may include a foul odor and vaginal discharge. Although it does happen in some instances, bacterial vaginosis is not usually associated with soreness, itching or irritation.
Vaginal odor is the most common, and often initial, symptom of BV. Odor may be recognized only after sexual intercourse. Symptomatic women most often have a copious, yellow-gray or green homogeneous discharge. They may also describe a foul odor, vulvovaginal irritation, and, occasionally, dysuria. Symptoms of BV include a grayish-white discharge, a fishy odor, pain, burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all.
Women sometimes confuse BV with yeast infections. Yeast does not look, nor smell, nor feel like Bacterial Vaginosis.
Although bacterial vaginosis isn’t considered a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transferred between sexual partners. While it’s more common in women who are sexually active, it also occurs in women who are not sexually active.
Other risk factors for developing bacterial vaginosis include smoking, going through menopause, suffering from diabetes, or having another type of chronic disease.
Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is important, as the infection has been linked to a number of serious health complications. Treating BV with antibiotics can relieve symptoms, but treatment does not always lead to cure and recurrences are common.
Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy has been associated with poor perinatal outcome and, in particular, preterm birth (PTB). If you are pregnant, see your doctor.
Related posts:
- Why Every Woman Will Experience At Least One Vaginal Infection In Their Lifetime
- Vaginal Burning is Unbearable for Any Woman, But What Next?
- Pregnant Bacterial Vaginosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- A Sneaky Bacteria Called Gardnerella Could be the Source of Your Vaginal Infection
- A Natural Cure For Bacterial Vaginosis – Very Holistic
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