subject: Bacterial Vaginosis Information|health Tips For Women Blog [print this page] Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also called:Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also called:
+Gardnerella-associated vaginitis
+nonspecific vaginitis
It is one of the most common causes of vaginitis symptoms among women, particularly those who are sexually active, producing painful inflammation of the vagina.
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Symptoms
Although more than 50% of women withBacterial Vaginosis (BV) have no symptoms, when symptoms do occur they include:
+excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge that sticks to the vaginal walls
+fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex
+vaginal itching and irritation
Transmission
The risk of acquiring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is increased by:+changing sexual partners+douching+using intrauterine devices (IUDs)The infection can not be spread from person to person by casual contact, such as:+clothing+door knobs+eating utensils+swimming pools+toilet seatsDiagnosisDiagnosis is made by:Physical Examinationobservation made with the naked eye and noseundergoing a pelvic examinationLaboratory TestsA sample of the vaginal discharge is obtained and viewed under the microscope, either stained or in special lighting, to determine:Absence of lactobacilliChange in pH of vaginal fluidDecreased acidityIf the vaginal cells have the classic appearance of clue cells, cells from the vaginal lining that are coated withBacterial Vaginosis (BV) organisms, which appear inBacterial Vaginosis (BV)The presence of Gardnerella bacteria to confirm by microscopic examinationAs an added confirmationThe sample is mixed with potassium hydroxide and produces a strong fishy odor when the bacteria is presentTreatmentBacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be difficult to cure using either conventional or alternative treatments.Conventional TreatmentAlthough it is uncertain if Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is sexually transmitted treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent re-infectionThe usual treatment is antibiotics, taken orally or vaginally, including:AmpicillinCeftriaxoneClindamycin,MetronidazoleTetracyclineNaturopathic TreatmentAbstaining from sexual activity while the bacterial imbalance/infection is healingDirect applications of local, anti-microbial productsSupport the immune system and its ability to fight the infection and balance the vaginal systemDietary RecommendationsInclude in your diet:flax seed (Linseed) meal and oilfresh vegetables and fruitsgrainsmeats, including fish, poultryplenty of fresh waterUse foods that have been raised without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides wherever possible.Avoid:alcoholcoffeefast foodsprocessed foodsrefined flour products (bread, pasta, etc.)saturated fats from animal productssugarNutritional SupplementsVitamin C (1,000 mg three times daily with meals)Zinc (30 mg daily)Proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase effectiveness of the medication.These include:Bromelain (400mg)Wobenzme N (5 tablets three times a day away from meals)Herbal TherapeuticsGoldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) vaginal suppositoriesGoldenseal/Vitamin A vaginal suppository twice dailyHomeopathic TherapeuticsAspergillusCandidaNotatumOther TreatmentsWarm sitz baths with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)Vaginal douching using:Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aqjuifolium)Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment-FromHealth Tips For Women Blogby: canhdong
