Monday 28 September 2009

Bacterial Vaginosis At A Glance

By Selina J. Breckingridge

BV (Bacterial vaginosis) is an ailment in a woman?s vagina that sometimes produces an often fishy odor and heavy discharge resulting in an overgrowth of normal bacteria that is found in a woman vagina.

Previously the condition was known as Gardnerella vaginitis, named after the bacteria which were believed to cause of the condition. Today it is most often referred to as bacterial vaginosis or just BV, reflecting the knowledge that there are numerous species of bacteria which live naturally within the vagina and that could grow in excessive amounts.

The certain Gardnerella organism is not this only culprit causing these symptoms. Often times this many types of bacteria be out of balance, and a woman can have certain foul odors accompanied with vaginal discharge.

Even though bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, it is disturbing when these symptoms arise. Women that have a discolored or unusual discharge should visit her Doctor, who can then determine if there is a more serious ailment such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea could exists.

Alas, the symptoms of BV usually consist of thin vaginal discharge with an often times fishy odor. Often times these can be the only known symptoms. Although, what may be considered normal vaginal discharge can vary considerably from woman to woman. Accordingly, with any amount of a discharge which may not be that normal for a particular woman should get checked out.

Having Bacterial Vaginosis with no symptoms whatsoever is also very entirely possible. Some women may experience a vaginal discharge with a very unpleasant fishy smell. The discharge itself is usually a grayish white and normally thin and is sometimes more prevalent after sexual intercourse.

Some research to determine an exact cause of BV has been difficult. But, presently it is often thought to possibly be a certain combination of many certain types of bacteria present together and that causes this particular problem to develop in her vagina. A woman having BV has a particular reduction of the often normal amount of the lactobacilli, which will produce hydrogen peroxide that is in the vagina.

The anaerobic species of bacteria, that is bacteria that can grow without oxygen present, increases the concentration of other strains of certain bacteria. The diagnosis and treatment is not just finding and eradicating only a particular single strain of species of bacteria. This is the reason that the bacteria combine which causes the bacterial infections are unknown. No known reason has been found as to why certain bacteria combine causing BV (bacterial vaginosis).

There are quite a few factors known that will increase the odds a woman might develop BV. They often include having anew and maybe several sex partners, frequent douching, even tobacco and cigarette smoking. However, without totally understanding the certain role sexual activity can play in developing BV. There are certain women who have been celibate for life and still develop BV.

After reporting increased vaginal discharge to her doctor he/she will likely ask a routine series of questions which will help to distinguish between mild or more serious conditions. In addition issues that could indicate a condition that is more serious include an elevated temperature, pelvic pain, a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse or having had sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the past.

In addition to these particular questions above, her doctor will most likely perform a routine pelvic examination. While during this exam, her doctor will make a note of the appearance in the lining of her vagina and her cervix. Her doctor may also want to examine her uterus and her ovaries. Her cervix may also need to be checked out for any type of tenderness, which could possibly indicate a certain type infection that could likely be more serious. Her doctor may also want to her for the presence of gonorrhea or even Chlamydia.

Also, a microscopic examination of her vaginal discharge will be done for signs of the clue cell. That will help her doctor distinguish if it is BV, candidias or trichomonas (the latter are sexually transmitted diseases). Believing that the clue cells are probably the most reliable indication of BV is pretty consistent between doctors. Additionally women that develop BV have fewer of the lactobacilli, this is certain bacteria that is usually found inside of the vagina. A vaginal pH indicating higher tan 4.5 will very likely point to the presence of BV.

Lastly, your doctor may perform what is called a "whiff test" using potassium hydroxide. Placing a drop potassium hydroxide liquid in contact with a drop of a woman?s discharge with bacterial vaginosis, usually results in pronounced fishy odor.

BV in pregnant women has been reported to cause premature birth and also premature labor. It can also cause amniotic fluid infection, and possibly a uterine infection after her delivery. Routine screening or even treatment for BV while she is pregnant is still somewhat controversial. However, testing for and also treatment of BV may often be recommended if a woman has had a preterm birth before.

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