1 In 3 Women Likely To Get Bacterial Vaginosis

Aug. 27, 2015 - PRLog -- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is quite common among western women. Reports indicated that1 in 3 women will develop this condition in their lifetime.

The condition is associated with unusual vaginal discharges and have symptoms similar to that of thrush. Causes of BV are speculative, although medical journals list a very general disease definition as that the condition occurs when the normal bacteria (lactobacilli) of the vagina is disproportionate and the region becomes increasingly alkaline. While it is not exclusively sex-related and is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection, it still can be the end result of sexual intercourse.

Activities and risk factors that are associated with this condition include:

• using perfumed soaps and douching
• strong detergents being used to wash underwear
• smoking
• having sex with new or multiple partners
• semen in the vagina
• use of IUDs
.
Studies suggest that half of the women who have BV are asymptomatic, however symptoms can include greater than normal vaginal discharge, change in smell or color of discharge. Most women who seek remedies for the condition do so due to the fishy smell that can be associated with the condition.

BV tests can be conducted at your physicians office, an OBGYN, women's health center, and some urgent care facilities. The tests involve a health care provider swabbing the area with a swab or plastic loop in order to collect sample cells from the vaginal walls like a pap smear. While it is not usually painful there can be some discomfort.

The treatment for BV is as simple as taking antibiotics. Physicians will usually prescribe  tablets, but they may prescribe a vaginal gel or cream to be used similar to a common yeast infection. While the treatment can rid you of the infection, due to the ease with which the bacteria can build it is not uncommon for a woman to have the condition episodically. If that occurs your physician may chose to keep you on the drug or gel over a longer period of time and/or prescribe a lactic acid solution or gel in order to restore the pH balance of the vaginal region.

While there is no evidence to suggest that BV has the potential to affect the ability to conceive or become pregnant, it can have an adverse effect on women who are already pregnant. Reports from the medical field indicate that some women with BV have had issues with their pregnancy, including miscarriage, low birth weight or premature birth.

The best methods of prevention is to use soaps that are unperfumed, do not use excessive detergents when washing undergarments, avoid over-douching, and if you have unprotected sex, wash with warm water afterwards rather than douching the region. Often times the your body requires good bacteria to remain active to fight off the bad and over-cleansing your vagina can kill off the good bacteria needed to fight infections.

For more information on unpleasant vaginal odor issues, go to: http://www.mommyedition.com/how-to-get-rid-of-unpleasant-...

Source: http://www.mommyedition.com