Bacterial vaginosis is one of the more common infections of the vagina in women who have reached childbearing age.
It is also referred to as vaginal becteriosis and it is characterized by itching, odor, discharge or pain.
The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is discharge and odor, although some reported cases indicate that some women do not experience the discharge.
Although its symptoms are mild and may disappear even without treatment, it is not a STD but it is advisable to seek medical attention once you realize such symptoms because it may lead to other complications.
Although it is not very clear as to what causes bacterial vaginosis, there are certain factors that have been identified as contributing factors.
Firstly, the condition results from overgrowth of bacteria within the vagina.
Normally, the vagina should contain some bacteria that are good to control the development of harmful bacteria.
However, the harmful bacteria are always attempting to multiply within the vaginal environment.
On the other hand, the useful bacteria are focused on killing the bad bacteria so as to prevent the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis.
Therefore certain changes in the body or within the vagina upset the good bacteria's activity causing the harmful bacteria to uncontrollably multiply.
This results in bacterial vaginosis.
Some of the factors that may upset the functioning of the good bacteria include douching, especially with antibacterial soap, having unprotected intercourse with numerous sex partners, use of IUD's, and in cases where your immune response is low.
There are certain symptoms that you should be on the look out for in order to detect bacterial vaginosis.
The common symptom of the condition is vaginal discharge accompanied with a bad fishy odor.
Although various vaginal infections may cause discharge, the discharge you should be concerned about in BV is normally thin and greyish or whitish in color.
However, the amount of vaginal discharge as well as its consistency may vary in various women.
Although it is quite rare to experience pain and vaginal discomfort, you should be keen to notice any changes in the amount of discharge.
Occasionally, you may feel itchy or a burning sensation whenever you pass urine, but watch out on the discharge and a foul smell from the vagina.
As stated earlier, bacterial vaginosis is not an STD, but the discharge and the foul smell will usually be amplified immediately after sex.
Treating bacterial vaginosis is a rather simple process, and the best short-term treatment is through antibiotics.
However, antibiotics such as metronidazole (common as flagyl) only offer symptomatic relief and do not actually cure the condition.
Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for the condition in mainstream healthcare, and doctors will usually prescribe various types of antibiotics.
The good news is that the vagina will naturally regain its bacterial balance, and in some cases there may be no need for seeking medical attention as the symptoms will naturally clear off.
However, in case you are pregnant, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention so as to avoid endangering your baby's health.