Bacterial Vaginosis; Facts To Know.
BV (Bacterial vaginosis) is an ailment in a woman?s vagina that sometimes produces an often fishy odor and heavy discharge resulting in an overgrowth of normal bacteria that is found in a woman vagina.
Previously this condition was called Gardnerella vaginitis and which was named after bacteria which were often times believed to be the cause of this condition. Today it?s more often referred to by bacterial vaginosis or often times just called BV, reflecting on the knowledge there are quite a few species of certain bacteria that can live naturally inside the vagina but that could possibly grow in large excessive amounts.
The Gardnerella organism isn?t the only culprit that causes these symptoms. When this many species of bacteria get out of balance, a woman may have a foul odor accompanied by vaginal discharge.
Although BV is not very dangerous, it can often cause symptoms that will be disturbing. Many women that have an unusual discharge need to be evaluated so it can be determined if something much more serious of a condition as gonorrhea and also Chlamydia exists.
The symptoms of or BV (bacterial vaginosis) mainly consist of a thin vaginal discharge and usually a very strong fishy smell. Often, these will be the only symptoms. Symptoms may vary considerably, so what may be considered normal for one woman, may be different for the next. Any change in the amount of discharge that is not normal should be evaluated by her Doctor to determine the cause.
Having Bacterial Vaginosis with no symptoms whatsoever is also very entirely possible. Some women may experience a vaginal discharge with a very unpleasant fishy smell. The discharge itself is usually a grayish white and normally thin and is sometimes more prevalent after sexual intercourse.
Presently it is thought to be a combination of many bacteria present together that causes this problem to develop. A woman with BV or bacterial vaginosis has a reduction of the normal amount of lactobacilli, which produces hydrogen peroxide in the vagina. Research to determine the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis has been difficult.
At the same time an increased concentration of some other strains of bacteria, especially the anaerobic type bacteria which is bacteria that grow without the presence of oxygen. Accordingly the diagnosis/treatment it is not simply finding and killing only a single strain of bacteria. The reason the bacteria combine causing the bacterial infection is unknown.
There are several factors that are known that can increase a woman?s odds that she will develop BV or bacterial vaginosis. These can include douching, tobacco usage, and new or more than one sexual partner. It?s not totally understood why sexual activity plays a role in developing BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) since there are women that have developed symptoms and never been sexually active.
After a woman reports increased thin vaginal discharge with her doctor he will probably ask routine questions that will help him distinguish if this is a somewhat mild or much more serious condition. In addition to these issues that could often possibly at times indicate that a certain condition is a lot more serious may include a temperature that is elevated, certain pelvic pain, even a new sex partner, or even multiple sex partners, having unprotected intercourse or also having had a sexually transmitted disease (STDs) before.
After talking with your Doctor, a pelvic examination will likely be performed. During the exam, your doctor will check the appearance of the lining in the vagina and also the cervix. The doctor may also find the need to examine the ovaries and uterus. The cervix may be checked for any tenderness, which could also indicate the possibility of infection that is much more serious. The doctor will likely collect samples to check for the possibility of gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
Also, a microscopic examination of her vaginal discharge will be done for signs of the clue cell. That will help her doctor distinguish if it is BV, candidias or trichomonas (the latter are sexually transmitted diseases). Believing that the clue cells are probably the most reliable indication of BV is pretty consistent between doctors. Additionally women that develop BV have fewer of the lactobacilli, this is certain bacteria that is usually found inside of the vagina. A vaginal pH indicating higher tan 4.5 will very likely point to the presence of BV.
Lastly, your doctor may perform what is called a “whiff test” using potassium hydroxide. Placing a drop potassium hydroxide liquid in contact with a drop of a woman?s discharge with bacterial vaginosis, usually results in pronounced fishy odor.
BV in pregnant women has been reported to cause premature birth and also premature labor. It can also cause amniotic fluid infection, and possibly a uterine infection after her delivery. Routine screening or even treatment for BV while she is pregnant is still somewhat controversial. However, testing for and also treatment of BV may often be recommended if a woman has had a preterm birth before.
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