Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection ( vaginitis ). The vagina normally contains a lot of "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli (say: "lack-toe bah-sil-li"), and a few other types of bacteria, called anaerobes (say: "ann-air-robes"). It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. However, the new name, bacterial vaginosis, reflects the recent research establishing that there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the vaginal area. The condition produces an unpleasant vaginal discharge because of an overgrowth of these other bacteria in the vagina, including an organism known as Gardnerella vaginalis. Many women mistakenly believe that yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal infection but bacterial vaginosis is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection affecting from 10 percent to 64 percent of the female population at any given time. We include it here because it is more common in women who are sexually active and because the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be similar to the symptoms of other STIs. It can also increase the risk for HIV infection. Pregnant women with BV run higher risks of early pregnancy loss, especially in the first trimester.

The condition results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. In the past, the condition was called Gardnerella vaginitis , after the bacteria that was thought to cause the condition. It is not a STD but is linked to increased sexual activity. A healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria (the most common being Lactobacillus acidophilus ) and some other microorganisms. Bacterial vaginosis, also called BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. and it is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning. A change in sexual partners and douching may increase the risk of developing the problem. It is a common problem. It is thought to cause up to 50 percent of cases of vaginal discharge. It has also been reported in 15 to 29 percent of pregnant women. BV is associated with premature delivery, low birth weight, and pelvic inflammatory disease. BV may disappear without treatment, but it has been linked to serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, premature labour, recurring urinary tract infections, infections after labour, uterine infections after abortion or the insertion of an IUD and surgery (e.g. prior to hysterectomy). Treatment is recommended in these higher risk situations.

Causes of Bacterial vaginosis

The common Causes of Bacterial vaginosis :

• Having sex with multiple partners.
• Using an IUD (intrauterine device.
• BV is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
• Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications of BV.
• This causes harmful bacteria to grow in the vagina, causing the vaginal environment to be out of balance.
• BV can cause premature delivery and low birth weight babies (less than five pounds).
• Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection that can affect a woman's uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Having BV increases the risk of getting PID after a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.

Symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis

Some common Symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis :

• A watery, pearly grey discharge instead of normal vaginal secretions.
• vaginal discharge that has a fishy or musty odor, particularly after intercourse.
• A strong or unusual odour from the vagina.
• Itching around the vaginal opening.
• Excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge that sticks to the vaginal walls.
• Unusual vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
• Burning during urination.
• Fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex.

Treatment of Bacterial vaginosis

• Antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin are generally prescribed, as oral (pill) or topical (cream) treatments.
• Treatment usually consists of three to seven nights of Cleocin 2% vaginal cream.
• You are pregnant. Your obstetrician may need to be consulted about treatment.
• Many women with symptoms of BV do not seek medical treatment, and many asymptomatic women decline treatment.
• Metronizadole can be used as an oral treatment.
• Gel or cream form that is applied into the vagina
• Male sexual partners do not routinely need treatment and women without symptoms may decline treatment.
• It is not necessary to treat the condition if it is causing no symptoms, except in the high risk situations outlined above.

Women's Health

Adenomyosis
Ahumada-Del Castillo Syndrome
Anovulatory cycles
Asherman's syndrome
Atrophic vaginitis
Bacterial vaginosis
Baker's Cyst
Bartholion gland cyst
Candida infection
Cervical Ectropion
Cervical Erosion
Cervical mucous
Cervical polyp
Cystocele
Cystocoele
Dermoid Cysts
Dry vagina
Endometriosis
Enterocoele
Fibroids
Ganglion cysts
Gonorrhoea
Hydrometrocolpos
Hysteria
Lactose intolerance
Laryngitis
Legionnaire's disease
Leprosy
Leptospirosis
Leucorrhoea
Leukaemia
Lice infestation
Lichen planus
Lipoma
Liver cirrhosis
Mittelschmerz
Nabothian gland cyst
Oestogen dominance
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pilonidal cyst
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Popliteal cysts
Rectocoele
Sebaceous cysts
Trichomonas infection
Urethral caruncle
Urethrocoele
Vaginal atrophy
Vaginitis
Vulvodynia
Wernicke korsakoff synodrome