Bacterial Vaginosis - Help & Treatment » Bacterial Vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com The Bacterial Vaginosis Resource Sun, 30 May 2010 10:45:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Got Vaginitis? How to Tell the Difference Between Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/got-vaginitis-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-yeast-infection-and-bacterial-vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/got-vaginitis-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-yeast-infection-and-bacterial-vaginosis#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 09:21:57 +0000 Chrysten Candida or yeast infection is often mistaken for Bacterial Vaginosis .  In both cases there is vaginitis – that’s, swelling and irritation from the vulva and vagina, and you can find some comparable symtoms.  But there, the similarity ends.

Yeast infection is caused by a fungal organism called Candida albicans which is always present in and for the body.  Sometimes factors such as the use of antibiotics, stress or poor diet result in an imbalance and the fungus grows rapidly out of control.  Should you get yeast infection, you are able to anticipate plenty of itching. The discharge, if you get 1, is easily recognised as it can be white and curd-like.  There is not necessarily any smell, but if there is certainly one, you can expect it to be like bread or yeast or beer.

By contrast, Bacterial Vaginosis results from a bacterial infection – a frequent culprit is Gardnerella vaginalis.  It isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted infection – but it can be much more prevalent in individuals with multiple sexual  partners and may be transmitted sexually.   Not everybody who gets Bacterial Vaginosis gets an offensive smell with it, but the smell could be unpleasant – a strong fishy odor.  If you’ve a discharge, it may possibly be white or yellow.    A litmus test may possibly be conducted by your physician to confirm the diagnosis – a pH above 4.5 is strongly suggestive of Bacterial Vaginosis infection.

This leads me to an important point.  If you have symptoms, it can be important to visit your medical care practitioner to get a precise diagnosis.  Other possibilities contain Atrophic Vaginitis, Trichomoniasis and Genital Herpes to name several.

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have comparable symptoms to both Candida and Bacterial Vaginosis  – it’s even typical to have an STI and have no symptoms at all whilst all type of damage may be going on internally.  It is critical to know exactly what you’re dealing with so which you can treat it appropriately.  There may possibly or may not be an odor and there may possibly or may not be a discharge – this makes it tough to understand for sure.

Meanwhile, it’s common sense to avoid scented lotions, douches and baths and to use cotton underwear which you change frequently.  And go to your doctor as soon as feasible for  an examination.

]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/got-vaginitis-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-yeast-infection-and-bacterial-vaginosis/feed 1 Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/recurrent-bacterial-vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/recurrent-bacterial-vaginosis#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:58:33 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/?p=340 Why is BV often recurring after treatment?

To understand why many women suffer from recurring Bacterial Vaginosis we first need to examine what BV is and what the usual treatment options are:

Bacterial Vaginosis the result of an imbalance of the bacteria and ph level in the vagina. Under normal circumstances a women has just the right amount of “good” and “bad” bacteria. The normal ph level in the vagina is just right to support the growth of the beneficial bacteria.

Because the vagina is such a sensitive and balanced system it is also pretty easy to disturb the healthy balance in the vagina. Ph levels can shift easily which will allow an overgrowth of the bad bacteria and thus cause an occurrence of BV.

The problem is that the common treatment options (Antibiotics) are everything BUT sensitive in regards to the vagina’s healthy bacterial flora.

Antibiotics would simply kill all the bacteria because they don’t differ between the good ones and the bad ones. The antibiotics might have gotten rid of an acute BV infection temporarily (by killing the bacteria), but the healthy balance in the vagina is still thrown off, making way for the next vaginosis to appear.

Recurrent bacterial vaginosis might be impossible to cure using antibiotics alone. It has been observed that women suffered for years from BV recurrence, simply visiting the doctor over and over without really ever gotten rid of the problem.

However, women reported success in treating their recurrent BV using a multifaceted and natural approach which includes, but is not limit to:

* Healthy Nutrition rich in Vitamins
* Fewer sexual partners
* No use of scented soaps and washes
* Quitting Smoking

Enhancing and helping the natural, good bacterial flora in the vagina

Supplementing and enhancing the beneficial bacteria is a common approach to battle Vaginosis. Success has been reported by a number of women who used probiotics, either externally or in the form of probiotic capsules from the drug store. Another group of women reported success in treating their BV with boric acid which can be purchased over the counter also.

Cider vinegar baths have also shown a beneficial effect. You can give a couple of cupfuls to a shallow bath and sit in it for 20 minutes.

As it looks, the use of antibiotics does often more harm than good, especially when it comes to the treatment of recurrent vaginosis. We really want to give the natural methods a preference.

]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/recurrent-bacterial-vaginosis/feed 11 Bacterial Vaginosis and Possible Health Threats http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-and-possible-health-threats http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-and-possible-health-threats#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:28:29 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/?p=205 Of all the conditions which a woman may face, bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common to occur. It is a type of vaginal infection which is the result of the bacteria within the vagina becoming unbalanced, with an overgrowth of a particular type of bacteria. The condition was once called Gardnerella vaginitis, but it has now become known that there is more than one type of bacteria which live within the vagina, so the name was not technically accurate.

What are the common symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis usually has but two noticeable symptoms, which are vaginal discharge and odor. When a woman detects these symptoms, she should be checked by her physician to rule out other diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, which also have these symptoms as an indicator. Some women may not even exhibit both of these symptoms and still have the condition, that’s why it’s important to see your doctor should you notice a marginal difference in the usual amount of discharge, or a strange odor.

What treatments are available for this condition?

The main course of treatment for bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. The medications used to treat it are available in both oral and vaginal insertion form. Both forms of antibiotics have been proven effective in clearing the infection; however the pill form does tend to have some side effects which the vaginal gel does not. Either course will clear the condition quite effectively.

After treatment, can I get Bacterial Vaginosis again?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, you can have it again. As a matter of fact, it is possible for some women to need two courses of back to back antibiotics in order to completely rid themselves of the condition. Even then, it may come back again in the future, and require treatment once again.

Since it can be a recurrent problem, what am I doing to cause it?

Actually, you may not be the cause of the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. It is widely believed that douching, smoking and having multiple sexual partners may dramatically raise your risk factors for the disease, however these factors may be absent and bacterial vaginosis still exist.

Is there any possible health risks associated with Bacterial Vaginosis?

If you are pregnant, then yes there is a risk of both premature labor and premature birth if the condition is not properly treated. The amniotic fluid may also become infected, so it is especially important to let your physician know of any changes in your vaginal discharge.

]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-and-possible-health-threats/feed 4 Bacterial Vaginosis – Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-2 http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-2#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 22:51:26 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-2 by James S. Pendergraft

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most general cause of vaginal infection known as vaginitis. Normally it is not considered to be a ’sexually transmitted infection’. It is the imbalance of naturally happening bacterial flora that causes bacterial vaginosis.

What are the symptoms and signs?

The most common sign is an unusual vaginal discharge especially after having sex which has an unpleasant fishy smell. Some women don’t experience any symptoms, while many other experience intense swelling, itching and irritation (often misdiagnosed by patient or even health practitioner as yeast infection), also stomach pains, which feels like severe cramps. By contrast, a normal discharge should be odourless and vary in amount and consistency with the menstrual cycle.

The causes?

Normally, a healthy vagina should contain many microorganisms; Lactobacillus crispate and Lactobacillus jensenii are the common ones. The microorganisms involved in bacterial vaginosis are very diverse. Reduction of lactobacillus and any other changes in normal bacterial flora, due to use of antibiotics or pH imbalance or other reasons, lets the more resistant bacteria to multiply and gain foothold.

There are a variety of causes for bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is more common in sexually active women aging 15 to 44 especially after changing in to new partner.

Although bacterial vaginosis might be related to sexual activity, there is no strong evidence of sexual transmission. But virgins can get infected with bacterial vaginosis.

Women with sexually transmitted infections and pregnant women are more at risk. Sometimes Bacterial vaginosis affects women after menopause. A study has shown subclinical anemia the iron shortage is a strong cause of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women. Also it’s proven there is a link between bacterial vaginosis and psychosocial stress.

There is a theory mentioning that sexual exchange of vaginal secretions in sex between women is a possible mechanism for acquisition.

In young girls, strep or bacteria from the anus due to none hygiene wiping after bowel movement may cause bacterial vaginosis.

What are the treatments?

Since the disease is caused by bacteria therefore treatment for bacterial vaginosis is using antibiotics. Not many antibiotics are used routinely. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a very affective antibiotic which is taken either by oral (pill) or by vaginal metronidazole gel (Metrogel). The vaginal clindamycin cream (Cleocin) is also available.

The oral metronidazole is believed to be the best and most effective treatment but may cause minor and unpleasant side effects. Typically the gel does not cause side effect, but yeast vaginitis can happen as a side effect of the medication.

If you are looking for an antibiotic with fewer side effects then tinidazole is the one, an antibiotic that appears to have lesser side effects compared with metronidazole and is effective in bacterial vaginosis treatment.

There is the possibility of bacterial vaginosis Recurrence even after a successful treatment. Recurrence happens in more than half of the treated patients within 12 months. The reason is unclear. Due to appearance of recurrent symptoms, second course of antibiotic treatment is recommended.

To Your Health!

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]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/bacterial-vaginosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-2/feed 0 Just How Painful and Distressing is Bacterial Vaginosis? http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/just-how-painful-and-distressing-is-bacterial-vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/just-how-painful-and-distressing-is-bacterial-vaginosis#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 04:23:55 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/just-how-painful-and-distressing-is-bacterial-vaginosis by Muna wa Wanjiru

If you’ve never suffered from bacterial vaginosis then it might be difficult to comprehend just how painful and distressing it can be. Although this is not what some people might term to be a serious condition, bacterial vaginosis can be something of a burden to many women.

Bacterial vaginosis, or a yeast infection as it is also known, can have distressing symptoms and it can even be a great hurdle in many women’s lives. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis simply can’t be ignored.

Things like unbearable itching, a burning sensation of the irritated area, painful sexual intercourse, pain during urination, yeasty smelling or cottage cheese-like discharge, and a rash are all indications that you might be suffering from a yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis.

It doesn’t have to follow of course that what you have is a yeast infection, but these are all good indicators. If you feel that you might have a yeast infection, there are a few things that you might want to do first.

Consulting a trained medical physician should be the first order of the day if this is the first time you have ever had a yeast infection. If your bacterial vaginosis is recurrent then you always have the option of treating it yourself through one of the many home remedies.

Another thing that you might want to look into doing if you believe that you have bacterial vaginosis is to abstain from sexual intercourse as your partner might also contract this infection. Although bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transferred from one partner to the other through sexual intercourse.

Since bacterial vaginosis can be recurrent in some women, it’s always best to know what the causes are of this particular infection. By knowing this information you then have the option of being able to take preventative measures and steps to help stop the recurrence of a yeast infection.

Causes of bacterial vaginosis can include hormonal imbalance and things leading to a hormonal imbalance like pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation. All of these can lead to a bodily imbalance which in turn can lead to bacterial vaginosis.

There are also those factors which can throw the pH balance of the vagina out of synch. When this happens the yeast inducing bacteria can have free reign to thrive in the vagina.

These factors include the use of douches or feminine sprays, the use of scented feminine hygiene products, the use of spermicides, and prolonged contact with semen.

There are also other factors to take in such as the prolonged use of antibiotics, birth control pills, stress, and even certain types of clothing such as too-tight jeans and wet bathing suits.

As you can see bacterial vaginosis can arise as a result of many factors, but if you take care to avoid most of these, you should be able to prevent bacterial vaginosis from occurring or even recurring.

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]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/just-how-painful-and-distressing-is-bacterial-vaginosis/feed 0 Yeast Infections And Bacterial Vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/yeast-infections-and-bacterial-vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/yeast-infections-and-bacterial-vaginosis#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:49:22 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/?p=80 vaginosis_woman.jpg

It can be really confusing distinguishing between the symptoms associated with feminine problems arising. Sometimes you can have little or no symptoms and find out from your doctor that you have an infection by pH testing that is done. Other times, you could be itchy and have different signs of an infection and not see your gynecologist. You could mistakenly guess which issue needs resolved and waste time and money with OTC medications that are wrong.

Yeast Infections:
Commonly known as candida, this infection is marked by a thick, white discharge, itching, burning, and odor. Yeast is a fungus that exists in minute amounts but when the balance of the vagina is thrown off, an infection develops. Different remedies are prescribed for this frequently acquired problem. Women and girls alike can avoid getting yeast infections by watching their diet, maintaining good hygiene and by wearing cotton panties as well as other clothing that allows air to ventilate to the vagina.

Vaginal yeast infections are treated with anti-fungal medications that are applied topically for the vagina or by medications taken orally. In some circumstances, mixed infections with multiple microbes require combinations of treatments.

Bacterial Vaginosis:
Known as gardnerella, bacterial vaginitis or vaginal bacteriosis, this infection’s symptoms include itching, odor, burning, unusual vaginal discharge that is gray/yellow in color. Cervical tenderness, backache and fever can develop as this infection worsens. Some ladies report a strong fish-like odor developing immediately following sexual intercourse. Gardnerella is a flora that exists in the vaginal ecosystem. Its balance can be thrown off, just like candida.

Bacterial Vaginosis treatment differs greatly from that of a yeast infection. Oral treatments and/or topical cures are prescribed. Usually a seven-day course brings the bacterial level back to normal.

There are three types of vaginitis in women. They are hormone-related, irritant, and infectious. Prepubescent girls, women who have already had menopause or women who had their ovaries removed surgically, or postpartum mothers tend to get hormone-related vaginitis. Irritant vaginitis is the result of tight, non-porous clothing, allergies, or poor hygiene. Infectious vaginitis is most often found in women of childbearing age and is typically caused by trichomonas, gonococci, or alternative sexually transmitted organisms.

BV (bacterial vaginosis) occurs in some women who have never been sexually active. Smoking and drinking can also contribute to this infection. It occurs in pregnant women as well as women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Douching can alter the good bacteria and could be a culprit as well. The reasons why it develops are still not fully understood.

Don’t feel uncomfortable any longer. When you visit your gynecologist next time, be prepared on what evidence proves a diagnosis to assist your doctor in providing the right tests and treatment options. Be a leader of your personal wellness.


]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/yeast-infections-and-bacterial-vaginosis/feed 2 Gardnerella – Bacterial Vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/gardnerella-bacterial-vaginosis http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/gardnerella-bacterial-vaginosis#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:02:12 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/?p=76 gynecologist.jpg

Gardnerella Isn’t Cinderella’s Cousin

Gardnerella also known as Bacterial Vaginosis is an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora. The misery of Bacterial Vaginitis can seem unbearable and sometimes embarrassing. Whether it’s the malodorous smell, itching, burning and irritation or the thin white or gray messy discharge that leaves you feeling not so fresh, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is no picnic to have. Cervix tenderness or back pain can hurt and cause many women to finally seek treatment. Sometimes fever is present. Other times it is caught early and women are asymptomatic. Little is known as to the direct cause of BV. Sometimes it occurs in women who have never had sexual contact. Smoking and drinking can also contribute. It frequently occurs in pregnant women or women who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners. Douching can alter the good bacteria in your body and could be a culprit as well.

Feminine deodorant sprays should be avoided if you develop any symptoms of infections. Bacterial vaginosis treatment varies. There are three types of vaginitis: hormone-related, irritant, and infectious. The first is generally found in prepubescent girls, postpartum mothers, women who have already had menopause or ladies who had their ovaries surgically removed. Irritant Vaginitis is the result of allergies, tight, non-porous clothing or poor hygiene. The infectious version is commonly found in women of childbearing age and is usually caused by gonococci, trichomonas or other sexually transmitted organisms. Bacterial Vaginitis has been described by the CDC as an STD although it is commonly acquired and not always classified as such. It is best to immediately see a doctor if you are having symptoms for them to determine what is wrong because many other health issues can exist.

Your gynecologist can provide the best treatment plan after a series of questions and tests. Your doctor will obtain a sample and send it to a lab to be screened for several possibilities. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and yeast (Candida) can appear to exhibit similar symptoms. The presence of clue cells are important when diagnosing BV. Your doctor may perform a potassium hydroxide test. When it is combined with the discharge it produces a fish-like odor if the infection is present and infected cells can be viewed under a microscope. If you are diagnosed with vaginal bacteriosis, your gynecologist will prescribe something to fight off the infection. Oral treatments include Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Clindamycin (Cleocin).

Topical treatments for bacterial vaginosis are also sometimes necessary. Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream or Metronidazole vaginal gel (Metrogel vaginal) are common cures that are used. Typically a seven-day course is given to combat the bad bacteria that are present. BV can recur after treatment, so it is very important to finish up all medications given by your health care provider and pay attention to your symptoms after you are treated.

]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/gardnerella-bacterial-vaginosis/feed 0 Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/natural-bacterial-vaginosis-remedies http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/natural-bacterial-vaginosis-remedies#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:22:56 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/?p=71 vaginosis_natural_remedy.jpg

Natural And Prescriptive Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is defined as the irritation and inflammation of the vaginal lining due to an overgrowth of bacteria. It frequently arises in many women for unknown reasons. The pH level of the vagina is thrown off, which results in awful symptoms, very little symptoms or none at all. It is important to determine whether it is yeast (Candida) or bacterial vaginitis (gardnerella) because different remedies are used to treat both cases. Common symptoms are a whitish or gray milky discharge with a pungent aroma, burning, itching, cervix tenderness, back or pelvic pain, and sometimes fever. Some women even report having a strong fish-like odor especially after sexual intercourse.

BV is often recurrent and therefore can be prevented. Anaerobic bacterial growth can be thwarted by a balanced lifestyle which includes a few changes in diet, hygiene and activities. The vagina has its own ecosystem and holistic remedies are available whether you are looking for something different to try or are seeking alternative methods to prevent Vaginosis infections. By eating yogurt with live and active cultures, it can help to maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in your body. Plain yogurt can also be applied directly to the vagina. An unscented tampon soaked in yogurt can also be inserted for a few minutes to introduce good bacteria as well. If you eat more garlic or take garlic supplements it can be helpful because garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Calendula herb, tea tree oil, black walnut, Echinacea, tracheal and goldenseal are also beneficial. Although regular douching is not recommended, douching with boric acid and calendula has been known to provide intensive relief. Applying a cool, pre-soaked tea bag to the area or wearing cabbage leaves on top of a maxi pad can alleviate pain.

Make sure you wear clean cotton panties daily and wash up with non-perfumed soaps. Avoid clothing that is tight around the crotch area. If you’re sexually active, clean your vagina thoroughly after sex. When you use the toilet, make sure to wipe from front to back to prevent other bacteria from making its way into your labia. A diet avoiding alcohol, refined carbs and processed sugars should also be followed. Cigarettes surprisingly have a lot of sugar in them and can also be a reason why ladies can get bacterial vaginitis. Prescriptive Bacterial Vaginosis cures include several types of medications which are either oral or topical and are all very good at cures for BV.

Chrysten

Copyright 2009 bacterialvaginosisweb.com


]]> http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/natural-bacterial-vaginosis-remedies/feed 2 Candida Versus Gardnerella – What Are The Signs? http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/candida-versus-gardnerella-what-are-the-signs http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/candida-versus-gardnerella-what-are-the-signs#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:48:05 +0000 admin http://www.bacterialvaginosisweb.com/?p=68 gardnerella-bacteria.jpg

Candida Versus Gardnerella; What Are The Signs?

It can be easy to misdiagnose yourself when you have symptoms which include itching, burning, odor and unusual vaginal discharge. Listen up. If you’re unfamiliar with what Candida (yeast), Gardnerella (bacterial vaginosis) or STDs are, how they affect your body and what treatments work best, then it can be difficult to determine the best course of action to take and your life could be jeopardized. It can be confusing with all of the products to choose from that are available in pharmacies. Bacterial Vaginosis a.k.a BV has several different symptoms than a typical yeast infection and Trichomoniasis. Yeast infections produce a whitish, cottage cheese textured vaginal discharge that is sometimes thick.

BV is an inflammation of the vagina that produces a discharge that can be milky, white, gray or even yellow and can cause back/pelvic cramping. Sometimes there aren’t any symptoms of either and they are still present in the body. The signs or symptoms of a Trichomoniasis infection in women include a frothy, yellow-green malodorous discharge and in some cases, lower abdominal pain is present. Symptoms usually appear within 5-28 days of exposure in women. However, it is a parasitic condition, not a bacterial one. The symptoms are more common in women. In rare instances, yeast infections can also be acquired by men. BV can only be acquired by women. Some women with BV have described a fish like smell that grows stronger after having sexual relations.

Trichomoniasis is classified as an STD, just as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are and the CDC considers BV one also (although virgins have been known to contract BV.) When any symptoms arise, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist. By answering some very important questions as well as performing tests it doesn’t take much to find out what is wrong. Preventing these types of infections is extremely important. BV and yeast infections are based on a multi-cellular level, which means you have to treat the root cause with the right products. Over growth of anaerobic bacterial growth is the cause of both Candida and Gardnerella. Natural remedies include diet, hygiene and activity changes along with avoiding cigarette/alcohol consumption.

Some other remedies (especially for BV) include douching with specific pH balancing boric acid and calendula, eating yogurt with acidophilus cultures as well as more garlic, applying cool tea bags or cabbage leaves to the affected area and taking supplements. When a woman visits her gynecologist, after she discusses her symptoms, the doctor will take a slide of the discharge in order to determine whether it is yeast, BV or an STD. A pelvic exam can show small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix with Trichomoniasis. Pharmaceutical remedies for yeast infections (usually antifungal creams and suppositories used for one or more days) can be bought OTC or prescribed and Bacterial Vaginosis cures involve a 7-day treatment program which involves an oral or topical prescription medication, usually an antibiotic. Trichomoniasis is cured with prescription medication. A single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole can be taken to destroy it. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are cured by oral prescription medication also.

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Vaginal Bacteriosis is diagnosed when the natural bacteria (flora) that live in the vagina start to overgrow and the pH level is determined to be 4.5 or above. Commonly known as Bacterial Vaginitis/Vaginosis (or BV for short), it affects many women worldwide and is likely to affect between 10-64% of all women in the U.S. When anaerobic bacterial growth gets out of hand, symptoms like a yeast infection will present themselves. These include itching, burning and vaginal discharge. When yeast (Candida) is present, a thick white discharge is usual. However, with BV, the consistency of the discharge is runny and the color can be whitish, gray or yellow. Like Candida, Gardnerella (BV) is often recurrent and can be prevented.

Diet, activity and good hygiene can stave away a lot of health problems. Women who have BV exhibit pelvic/back pain and/or fever along with the itching, burning and discharge. Yeast infections are treated usually with anti-fungal creams and suppositories. A yeast infection is not caused by bacteria like BV is. Therefore, BV must be treated differently with oral and topical antibiotics. Many scientists claim that they don’t know how Gardnerella forms or why, but some professionals link it to sexual activity. Sometimes bad habits contribute to both infections. The CDC considers Gardnerella an STD. Although in some cases, virgins have acquired it through various means and the Medical Field doesn’t necessarily label it as such. Now more than ever women and men alike are participating in oral sex.

The germs and bacteria that are in the mouth are transferred to the genitals of a partner during this activity. If a woman doesn’t clean herself following sexual activity, it can contribute to infections as well as conducting bad bacteria. Douching is not good to do very often as it strips the vagina of its good bacteria. Therefore, it isn’t a good solution to try if you start to become itchy or feel not so fresh. The vagina’s ecosystem can become imbalanced by many activities. Many women end up with yeast or urinary tract infections as well as Bacterial Vaginitis and it’s nothing to be scared about because there are cures.

Sometimes Mycoplasma, Escherichia coli (E-coli), streptococci (strep), or staphylococci (staph) have caused the infection and they are contagious. BV can affect females of all ages, but it tends to occur during reproductive/child bearing years. Making an appointment with a gynecologist is the first thing you should do any time you start having symptoms after sexual activity to determine the culprit. STDs like Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia have similar signs also, though some women who have early stages of any infection or disease don’t have any. All of these problems should be taken seriously. If you’re not feeling well and unsure it’s best to go get checked out by a medical professional.

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