Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a condition that occurs as a result of a PH and bacterial imbalance in the female genitals.
It commonly occurs in women of childbearing age.
The symptoms can cause a lot of embarrassment for any women suffering from this condition.
In most cases the symptoms include abnormal discharge, unpleasant odor and pain, itching or burning.
It is not a dangerous condition in its primary stages as long as it is treated.
Although BV will sometimes clear up without any treatment, all women diagnosed with BV should be treated to avoid the risk of such complications as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, premature delivery in pregnancy or infertility issues.
What are the Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis? It is not fully understood what the causes of bacterial vaginosis are.
However the condition arises as a result of a change in the environment of the genitals.
The vagina contains two different groups of bacteria: o"Harmful bacteria" - Gardnerella that under normal circumstances is fewer in number.
o"Beneficial bacteria"- Lactobacilli, that regulates the normal PH level of the vagina, outnumbers Gardnerella and keeps it in check, preventing it from overgrowth.
What are the Causes of BV Bacterial Imbalance? In order to prevent bacterial vaginosis, it is important to avoid certain practices common to all of us women that can trigger the symptoms, causing Gardnerella to grow in an excessive manner, upsetting the natural PH balance of the vaginal flora and resulting in the unwanted symptoms.
The trigger factors of BV that can cause an imbalance include: oDouching more than once a month Over cleansing can kill too many of the beneficial bacteria.
Current medical evidence emphasizes that douching may actually increase a woman's chance of vaginal infection.
Several studies of women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PDI) showed that frequent douching was prevalent among them.
oUsing oils in the bath Oils trap bacteria, providing an ideal environment for it to grow.
oUsing vaginal cleaners and chemicals No more than once a month douche with a mild, gentle cleanser.
The composition of vaginal cleaners and chemicals are harsh and it's counter-intuitive to use them.
It will increase the intensity of the smell and make BV even stronger.
oProlonged use of one tampon, pad or panty liner Wearing a single tampon, pad or panty liner for a long period of time causes harmful bacterial build-up and increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
oWiping from back to front after a bowel movement This can lead to harmful bacterial contamination.
oUsing synthetic underwear Cotton underwear provides better ventilation around your genital area.
Wearing non cotton ones may cause or will worsen your existing bacterial vaginosis.
oWearing tight underwear Do not wear tight clothing or clothing which traps moisture and sweat (swimsuits, exercise pants) for long periods of time.
Bacteria rapidly grow in a moist environment.
oHaving multiple sex partners Be faithful! Overgrowth of the bad bacteria is more prevalent in women with multiple sex partners.
oTaking antibiotics Doctors treat only the symptoms of BV without eliminating the root cause of the condition.
Antibiotics only work for a short period of time, before the frustration and the unpleasant smell returns again.
Antibiotics work by destroying all the bacteria including Lactobacilli that is naturally present in the female genital region.
When bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics there is an incredibly high rate that the woman will get BV again within a few weeks.
The best method is the natural one.