
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common causes of vaginal infections. To most, it is called vaginal bacteriosis. Bacterial vaginosis is not really a sexually transmitted diesease although it can often flair up arfter sex but that is usually down to a bacteria imbalance. The BV bacteria cannot live on a toilet seat, in a swimming pool or on the bedroom sheets.
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance within the vagina of the naturally occuring bacteria. There naturally occuring good bacteria or lactobacillus is replaced or taken over by bad bacteria or gardnerella. Once overgrowth of the bad bacteria starts the good bacteria can not keep a healthy balance. The symptoms of BV are very telling: there is a white, gray, or even yellow vaginal discharge that excretes a foul, fishy smelling odor. The odoro and discharge you get with BV is usually more prominant straight after intercourse.
bacterial vaginosis can clear up all by its self and this will usually happen within 3 days or so. However, if you still have the symptoms, you should be seen as soon as possible by your GYN or physician to receive the proper care and treatment as it can cause very serious problems if left untreated. Creams and gels all have there place in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis but the trouble with these are that they will only treat the symptoms of BV and not the cause, it becomes very likely that the bacterial vaginosis will return.
There are more serious complications associated with pregnancy and BV, there is a possibility of miscarriage, early or preterm delivery and other infections. Should you have a pelvic procedure scheduled, such as an abortion or hysterectomy, you are more likely than other women having those same procedures of having a pelvic infection. In addition, if you suspect you have BV, you are more likely to be exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, which includes HIV. Although some considered it a nuisance, untreated Bacterial Vaginosis may cause very serious complications.
Treatment is as simple as obtaining a prescription for an antibiotic. The antibiotics most often used are metronidazole and clindamycin, but you should keep in mind that metronidazole has been banned in Europe as it has been shown to cause cancer in animals. The antibiotics taken usually come in a few different forms, pills or capsules that are swallowed, cream or gels that can be directly applied or in capsule form that are inserted in to the vagina. As i stated before this will be the first course of action you need to take and hopefully this will clear up your problem but a lot of women find that the bacterial vaginosis does come back.
BV usually clears up within two to three days with the antibiotics; however, it is essential that you continue to take the full seven-day regimen. Do not stop taking the antibiotics because your symptoms are better. It is very important that you complete the full dosage.
The antibiotics usually work very well; however, there may be a few side effects. It is very possible that you will develop a yeast infection, and you should watch for redness, itching, and/or a lumpy, white discharge. Should you have any problems with these then get in touch with your GP as soon as possible and you will be able to get a different treatment for your Bv.
It is advisable that if you are going to use creams or gels inserted in to the vagina to abstain from sex it at all possible. Using condoms with the gels and creams causes the latex to break down and they will be ineffective all together.
Bacterial vaginosis often comes back, recurrent BV is actually very common effecting almost 1 in 3 sufferers. It is not uncommon for women to suffer the same symptoms within a few days, they can either take another course of antibiotics or try another more natural treatment.
Find out more about the best home remedies and a great natural Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
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