BV is a type of infection in the vagina. The vagina contains both healthy as well as unhealthy bacteria. However, in normal conditions the healthy bacterial (lactobacilli) are more than the unhealthy ones (anaerobes). When the unhealthy bacteria outnumber the healthy ones, it causes a vaginal infection called as Bacterial Vaginosis. BV is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Why do unhealthy bacteria increase in the vagina?

There is no known reason why the unhealthy bacteria or the anaerobes multiply. However some activities or practices may increase the risk of BV. Such as-

Having new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners.

• Douching.
• Use of antibiotics.
• pH imbalance.

However, it’s still not clear if sexual practices play a role in developing BV. Women who are not sexually active can also be affected by Bacterial Vaginosis. Also, women do not get BV from toilet seats, swimming pools, bedding or from use of any object in an around the vagina.

Symptoms

BV usually does not have major symptoms, but some women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have a fish-like smell. This kind of discharge may occur usually after intercourse. The discharge may be thin or thick, colored or white.

Some women may also have itching and irritation in and around the vagina. There may also be burning during urination. However, some women with BV may not show any signs or symptoms at all.

Is BV harmful?

Bacterial Vaginosis is a very common, mild vaginal infection which can affect any women of child bearing age. It is reported that many pregnant women are mostly prone to BV.

Although, BV is not dangerous and does not cause any health complications, but there are some risks that a BV infected women may encounter.

• Women infected with BV may be more susceptible to HIV infection.
• An already HIV infected woman having BV can pass HIV to her sexual partner.
• BV infected women can be associated with other infections which may lead to surgery such as hysterectomy or may also have an abortion.
• A pregnant woman with BV may have high risk of giving birth to a premature baby.
• Women with BV can be at risk of being infected with other STDs such as gonorrhea an Chlamydia.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of BV includes laboratory tests. The doctor will get a sample of the vaginal fluid with a cotton swab to look for BV bacteria.

Treatment

BV needs to be treated to avoid further complications. If not treated, it will adversely affect the woman’s quality of life and cause other infections. Pregnant women, in particular, must be treated for BV to avoid complications to the child bearing process.

BV treated may include oral as well as topical methods of treatment. The doctor may prescribe pills to be taken orally, or creams or gels to be applied in the vagina. The medication should be taken as per the doctor’s instruction.

Many times, Bacterial Vaginosis can be confused with yeast infections or other types of vaginal infections. Therefore it is very important to get properly diagnosed and treated for BV to avoid complications.

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Bacterial Vaginosis is something that women all over the world suffer with.  Aside from the embarrassing odor and discharge, a woman can experience pain, irritation and burning.  It’s bad enough to suffer through symptoms like this, but even more frustrating when you visit your doctor, only to be rushed around and told to try some over the counter medication.  Don’t you just get the feeling that the doctor would rather get the visit over with so he or she can move on?  It can seem like your doctor could care less whether you have Bacterial Vaginosis, a yeast infection or some other condition, so long as he gets your payment and is able to move on to the next patient quickly.  So, dejected, you leave the office itching, in pain and with all of your frustrating symptoms without testing to see if you do have BV.

Well, there is something that wise women know to be true in many areas of life.  If you want something done correctly, you must do it yourself.  Luckily, you can now get bacterial vaginosis in home tests to see if you test positive for BV or not.  If you have experienced a change in your vaginal secretions, odor or if you are experiencing itching, burning or pain in the abdominal or vaginal area, you may need to perform an in home bacterial vaginosis test.  The truth is that many doctors do not perform all of the needed tests to check for BV in order to save time.  This is a terrible shame and an unfortunate fact, but it’s true.

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a strong, fishy odor, a whitish to gray discharge and irritation or pain in the vaginal area.  When you visit your doctor, if he or she says that you should try an over the counter medication and sends you off without a clue as to what the real issue is, you should definitely take the test at home yourself.  This will tell you whether you have BV and will make a big difference in the kind of medication you need.  If you have tested positive through the in home test, you should march yourself and the results right back to your doctor and let him or her know that you do have BV and that you want to be treated accordingly.  Many women have decided to find different doctors who will actually test and treat them properly, but the choice is up to you.  You don’t have to suffer with this condition simply because your doctor is pressed for time.  Get the in home test and find out if you have bacterial vaginosis or if you need to be tested for some other type of condition.  If your doctor can’t perform the necessary tests to see if you are suffering from BV, do it yourself!

For additional information about curing Bacterial Vaginosis for good, please visit [http://www.bacterialvaginosisrecurrent.com]http://www.bacterialvaginosisrecurrent.com, the number one resource for traditional and holistic treatments for getting rid of bacterial vaginosis.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_Harris http://EzineArticles.com/?Bacterial-Vaginosis—Testing-Yourself-at-Home-with-In-Home-Tests&id=984855

Bacterial Vaginosis can be very discomforting, and frustrating to deal with. Some women will seek antibiotic treatment which may have side effects, and unfortunately in many cases will not cure it from coming back.

What about bacterial vaginosis home remedies? There certainly are bacterial vaginosis home remedies which work great and can be a hassle free route to take for getting results quickly and effectively.

1. Vitamin treatments.

It’s best to start with vitamins and begin supplementing with the following: Vitamins A, C, D, E and vitamin B complex all contain antioxidants which will aid in treating BV. And a good vitamin home remedy to relieve the discomfort including itching, is vitamin E used as a cream. You can use capsules in the powdered form or buy already mixed vitamin E creams from the store.

2. Yogurt!

That’s correct, yogurt. You may have heard of the healing and health properties that come from live acidophilus cultures, which is contained in plain yogurt. This can be eaten directly, or there’s a method for actual vaginal inserts. Soaking a tampon in yogurt is an effective method for making a vaginal insert and treating BV. I would always remember to get and to use plain yogurt only. I just don’t like the idea of having any flavoring added to the yogurt when treatment is the goal.

3. 3 Day Cures.

There are 3 day cure plans available online which were designed by women who successfully cured their BV and had success in having it not re-occur. These bacterial vaginosis home remedies were put together in a response to the lack of treatment offered by the medical establishment, and they were designed so relief can occur quickly and effectively.

Here is an excellent 3 day cure for bacterial vaginosis from a former BV sufferer – http://bvtreatment.blogspot.com/

Follow this plan for a cure for bacterial vaginosis, while not having to worry about it coming back – http://bvtreatment.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Flowers http://EzineArticles.com/?Bacterial-Vaginosis-Home-Remedies&id=1673288