One of the sexually transmitted diseases largely affecting women is vaginal bacterial Vaginosis. Because this infection is so common, women should familiarize themselves with its symptoms to avoid risks of health complications. In an infection of the vagina, the female genital frequently excretes a colored fluid. In the past, medical researchers thought that the bacteria Gardnerella, was the sole cause of the infection. However, scientists today found out that there are several other kinds of bacteria that grow in the vaginal region that also trigger the occurrence of bacterial Vaginosis. One of the most common symptoms of this infection is the unusual discharge of white colored liquid from the vagina accompanied by a strong fishy odor which can make most women uncomfortable.
In truth, medical researchers have not been able to effectively trace the main cause of bacterial Vaginosis. But then, they believe that the presence of several bacteria in the vagina makes the spreading of the infection very high. This situation makes the number of lactobacilli (hydrogen peroxide-carrying bacteria) in the female genital low. With this decrease is the increase of anaerobic bacteria in the vaginal region. Researchers still do not know why combined bacteria results to bacterial Vaginosis. Health experts also point that cigarette smoking and multiple sexual activities can trigger the infection.
A visit to the gynecologist can help diagnose and test the presence of bacterial Vaginosis if a woman suspects an infection. An immediate visit to the doctor should be done if a woman experiences acute pain around the pelvic region or is suffering from an STD. The doctor will decide if a pelvic exam should be administered. In this exam, the position of the vagina and the cervix will be checked by the medical practitioner. After a thorough examination, doctors will separate Vaginosis from other kinds of infection like trichomonas and candidiasis.
What help determine the possibility of bacterial Vaginosis is clue cells in the vagina. Aside from that, if there is bacterial Vaginosis, the pH level will be more than 4.5. This condition will be a hint for doctors to identify the infection. The last type of exam in diagnosing bacterial Vaginosis is a whiff test with the right use of potassium hydroxide. Delaying treatment for any kind of sexually transmitted disease will lead to severe health complications. If a person suspects a possible infection, he should immediately consult a doctor and undergo STD testing.
