Little Known Facts about BV Women Need To Know - By: Lisa Marie

Bv stands for bacterial vaginosis. This is an unpleasant infection that happens in many healthy women. In this article, you will discover precisely what BV is and what you can do in order to get better.

In a normal vaginal canal, there is a balance of acids and bases, also known as pH. However once in awhile the naturally occurring balance of pH is disrupted and becomes acidic. This results in an overgrowth of bacteria that normally grow throughout the canal. This imbalance, where harmful bacteria outnumber the healthy occurring bacteria can result in BV. In the past, this predicament was thought to be caused by the Gardnerella bacteria. But actually, there are seemingly a variety of different types of bacteria that may be responsible for the condition. Also, medical researchers are not completely clear as to why this condition develops.

So just who can get this infection? In studying the data, just about any woman is at risk. BV is actually the most commonly occurring vaginal infection in women. Some studies cite that over 25% of American women are affected. Over 15% of pregnant women are affected, and nearly 60% of women who already have a sexually transmitted disease are also infected with bacterial vaginosis. BV does seem to be more frequently seen in sexually active females, but it must be noted that the infection has also been found in females who are not sexually active at all.

There are some unpleasant risks associated with the having the BV infection and these are important to mention. By carrying BV, a woman is more susceptible to acquiring HIV if she is in fact exposed to the HIV virus. Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are at a higher risk for some complications such as giving birth prematurely or having a low birth weight baby. And although BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (std), it does increase a sexually active woman's chances of contracting an std, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes.

The signs and symptoms of BV vary from person to person, and some carriers have absolutely no symptoms whatsoeverat all. Most signs and symptoms of this infection are unpleasant. The most characteristic symptoms are a foul smelling odor and a whitish grey discharge. This discharge covers the interior vaginal wall and hence the woman will notice more discharge and smell following sexual relations. Other symptoms which are not as common include itchiness to the vulvar area, and burning upon urination. The discharge and odor can cause a woman to feel self conscious and unclean, even after bathing.

A physician can diagnose BV by examining a small sample of the vaginal discharge under a microscope. Medical treatment usually consists of taking prescription antibiotics such as Metrogel, Clindacin, Tindamax, or Flagyl. Some of the antibiotics taken orally can cause upset stomach and incur other unpleasant side effects. Unfortunately, and for reasons not well understood, even after successfully taking antibiotics, bacterial vaginosis can reappear.

Some woman are reluctant or unable to go to a doctor for treatment, and others have persistent recurring BV. For these women, it's important to know that there are natural treatments for bacterial vaginosis readily available. These remedies include ingredients that are inexpensive and readily available to all, either from the local drug store or already on hand in your medicine cabinet. Best of all, there are no unpleasant side effects to these natural treatments, and they are quick, safe, and effective.

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