Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is fairly common condition that occurrs most frequently in childbearing aged women. It is similar to a yeast infection, but different in that it is due to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Being as simple as possible, it can occur when the bad bacteria overtake the good bacteria and cause an imbalance.
Before BV was well known, it was thought that the sole bacteria known as Gardnerella was the culprit of the condition. That is why it was previously known as Garderella Vaginitis. However, when the condition was better understood, it’s name was changed to bacterial vaginosis, since it is caused by multiple types of bacteria.
It may be surprising to know that of all vaginal infections, BV is the most common. Statistics tell us that at any one time over 50% of women can be infected.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of data to support any one theory on why an imbalance of bacteria, and therefore BV occurs. However, it is known that certain activies can increasing the risk of contracting BV, such as douching and using an intrauterine device.
The condition is accompanied by a number of uncomfortable symptoms, with the worst often being reported as the very foul-smelling, fishy odor that is common with vaginal discharge. Many women fear if BV can cause more serious conditions. If left untreated, BV symptoms can greatly increase the risk of getting PID or pelvic inflamatory disease. Pregnant women should be especially careful as it has been suggested that untreated BV can be the cause of unwanted pregnancy outcomes.
The first step to treatment should be a proper diagnosis. Many times bacterial vaginosis can be misinterpreted as a yeast infection and vice versa. Both require different treatments, so knowing exactly what you have is vital. Many times antibiotics will cure the condition, and many women even report that home remedies were more effective for them than antibiotics.