Bacterial Vaginosis - Causes and Treatment

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection characterized by an abundance of bacteria and a thin, creamy, grayish discharge. It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease and may be frequent in women who use antibiotics or have other health issues.

BV can be treated with an over-the-counter cream or prescription medication that doesn't require any time spent at the doctor's office.

Women should use feminine hygiene products to preserve their hydrating status while taking these steps to recover from BV symptoms.

How Long Has Bacterial Vaginosis Sufferers Been Suffering From The Condition?

It is not known what causes BV. It may be caused by a weakened or damaged vagina or bacterial imbalance in the vagina. BV is overrepresented in sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, which can be treated with antibiotics.

BV has also been reported to be more common among women who are employed in the medical field (dentists, nurses) or who use hormonal birth control methods.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis Dangerous?

Bacterial vaginosis is not an STD, but it may appear similar to other STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Therefore it should be checked by your doctor. If the problem persists or reoccurs, you might need treatment for an STD.

You can also ask your doctor to check for other causes of discharge or itching including yeast infections and trichomonas vaginitis.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis Hereditary?

Yes, it can be hereditary, although there is no direct evidence to support this claim. It has been reported to occur in 1 out of every 5 women of childbearing age. It is more likely to occur in women who have been pregnant since they are more likely to acquire a vaginal infection from their partners.

However, the exact cause of BV is not known, and it appears that a weakened or damaged vagina or bacterial imbalance in the vagina may be a significant risk factor for the acquisition of this condition.

Has Anyone Ever Cured This Disease?

There are no documented cases of anyone being cured of BV, but several women have tried various remedies to help lessen their symptoms once they have contracted it.

Many women have used probiotics for vaginal moisis, acidic peels, antibiotics, and other approaches to treating their symptoms. Most methods have not worked well for everyone, though some women report being able to reduce their symptoms with regular use of vaginal moisturizer alone.

What Is The Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis?

There is no standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Doctors may recommend using an over-the-counter cream such as Monistat, which is available without a prescription or ask you to return in a few days for another medication shot.

Antibiotics such as erythromycin may be an option, but it's important to continue with your antibiotics until you've finished them and then talk to your doctor about what next steps need to be taken. Some women have found that a change in their diet can treat the condition or that taking probiotics can help relieve symptoms. A special vaginal moisturizer with zinc may also help.

Frequently Asked Questions On Bacterial Vaginosis

What Are The Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis?

BV is characterized by an overabundance of vaginal bacteria. The symptoms begin without any warning, which is why women need to consult their doctor if they have any concerns about the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Vaginal discharge that appears white, grey, or greenish • Chafing or burning

·         Corners of the vagina

·         Redness or itchiness

·         Pain

The discharge varies in color and may appear thin, creamy, yellowish, or thick. Some women experience no discharge at all, though one study found that almost 25% of women with BV had little to no discharge at all.

The smell is also different for different women. Some have described it as foul, foul-smelling, or even fruity, while others have noted that it smells more like an apple or onion.

Can Bacterial Vaginosis Be Treated?

Yes, BV can be treated with an over-the-counter cream such as Monistat or prescription medication such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or metronidazole gel (MetroGel). These medications are used in a vaginal gel format for treatment but rarely require a doctor's visit.

Women should use feminine hygiene products to preserve their hydrating status while taking these steps to recover from BV symptoms.

BV is not considered a sexually transmitted disease and may be frequent in women who use antibiotics or have other health issues. BV can be treated with an over-the-counter cream or prescription medication that doesn't require any time spent at the doctor's office. Women should use feminine hygiene products to preserve their hydrating status while taking these steps to recover from BV symptoms.