Many more women suffer with Bacterial Vaginosis or BV than other infections of the vagina. Usually happening with a growth in the harmful vaginal bacteria. All vaginas contain bacteria, BV happens when there is a reduction in the benign strains of bacteria which gives harmful bacteria the chance to thrive and grow. The bacteria understood to be needed for bacterial vaginosis are Gardneralla and Mobiluncus each one is present in a vast number of women and usually unnoticed.
How BV is Caught?
There is not nesccesarily one specific thing that triggers the imbalance in vaginal bacteria. No section of female society is free from the risk of bacterial vaginosis but there are ways to help reduce the chances of becoming infected.
Do not use douches intended for the vagina. Douches can reduce healthy bacteria found in the vagina allowing bad strains to multiply.
Have fewer sexual partners
Use a condom expecially with a new partner.
Signs of a BV infection
A few women don't show any symptoms for bacterial vaginosis infections and many symptoms are common to other infections of the vagina so if you have any concerns or are worried about symptoms you should see your doctor. If you notice the vagina smell described as "fishy" then you may well have caught an infection, the smell can often be noticed more after intercourse. If you notice itchiness or experience burning when going to the toilet these could also be signs of a bacterial infection. Bacterial vaginosis can cause a vagina discharge that is white or grey. Nearly all women experience vaginal discharges at some time however, a noticed rise in the frequency or size should be investigated.
Best Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies
Often a change in behavior is the best chance to stop getting infected, when or if you suffer symptoms often. Antibiotics are readily prescribed for bacterial vaginosis and often very effective. Recently however, using antibiotics when not infected or patients not completeing the antibiotic course has led to resistant strains. These bacteria are resistant to normal antibiotics and require much longer courses of antibiotics. Medicines kill off all strains of bacteria, not just the harmful ones, attention must be taken after treatment. The use of probiotics and changes in behavior can both help.
Could BV lead to other conditions?
Basically, yes. Without help BV enhances the chance of suffering from serious sexual diseases it also increases the chance of you transferring disease to your partner. You have a higher chance of contracting Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can be potentially disastrous to your fallopian tubes and uterus.