subject: Dealing And Surviving Bacterial Vaginosis [print this page] Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection of the vagina. The symptoms of this infection are the presence of a discharge and odor. It is caused by disruption of the normal bacterial flora in the vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis might not require treatment in all cases. If the symptoms are very mild then it's often better to wait, since the infection will generally clear up by itself as the balance of bacteria within the vagina returns to regular. Pregnant ladies ought to usually be given treatment for bacterial vaginosis, however, since it can lead to certain complications for pregnant women, including infection of the womb and pelvis.
There have been suggestions that eating a periodic or live yogurt could help to treat bacterial vaginosis, but there is no reliable scientific evidence to support this belief.
If treatment is necessary, it will be provided within the form of a course of antibiotics. This will generally be a week long course of oral metronidazole, although other antibiotic treatments may be offered instead. A vaginal antibiotic cream may be prescribed instead of tablets, for example. It's essential to finish the whole course of antibiotics, and to take each dose, since non-compliance could decrease the efficacy of the antibiotics. It could also improve the chances from the condition reoccurring, although even if the instructions are followed exactly and every does of antibiotics is taken, bacterial vaginosis is a situation with a high likelihood of returning. Approximately one third of women who have had bacterial vaginosis experience a recurrence within just three months.
There are a number of ways in which the chances of a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis can be reduced. Although there is usually no definite and obvious cause of the condition, it arises as the result of a disruption to the environment of the vagina and the bacterial flora that live there. This means that the best way to avoid a return of the condition is to avoid activities that could cause such a disruption.
A mild detergent should be used to wash the underwear. Strong chemicals could upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Similarly, the chemicals that are used in bath water and to wash the vagina should be as mild as possible. This includes any chemical that is used in the bath, such as soap, bubble bath or shampoo. The vagina itself should not be washed too often. It is enough to clean the area once a day. Douching, or pushing water into the vagina, should be avoided completely.
