Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in the vagina when it produces a discharge which is able to overgrow and develops a foul smell. There are many different types of bacteria that grow in the vagina and causes this condition. The good news is that there is a bacterial vaginosis treatment available.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis
This is not a dangerous condition but the symptoms are often disturbing. The discharge changes to an unusual color and this is something that any woman should get checked out. There are many other conditions that can cause foul smelling and strange looking discharge, including STIs such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Other symptoms are also similar to yeast infections, which leads to other uncomfortable symptoms, such as burning when urinating and possible blood in the urine.
This is something that is very common and around 29 percent of US women are affected with it. There is help in the form of a bacterial veginosis treatment for sufferers.
The Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
Most of the women who have this will not have any symptoms. The good news is that this is not life threatening; so no symptoms are not a major problem – unlike some other diseases and conditions. However, in the 15 percent of women who do suffer from symptoms, the strange looking discharge with a foul odor is the most common.
It is difficult to determine the amount that is normal since every woman is different – this is only something that you will be able to determine.
There is no information into whether this is contagious or not. Most doctors do not believe that it is but it is not understood about how the bacteria will pass. There is research into multiple partners or a new partner will increase the chances of developing the condition, which leads to the belief that this changes the balance of the bacteria. There is still research into this.
Diagnosing Bacterial Vaginosis
Before looking into the bacterial vaginosis treatment, it is important to look into how the condition is diagnosed. After all, the symptoms often mimic those of other infections and diseases. A look into the sexual history and partners is considered, along with any presence of other symptoms, such as a fever or pain.
A pelvic exam will also take place, which will lead to a look at the lining of the vagina and the cervix. This may help to indicate if there is a more serious condition that has occurred. There are also other tests that are done to help with ruling out other conditions, such as STDs and urinary tract infections.
The Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
The most common treatment for this condition is the use of antibiotics. There are a few that will work, many in pill form but some as a gel that you apply directly to the vagina. Both are just as effective as each other. Both have their own side effects, oral pills causing the worst. Tindamax is one of the most common antibiotics that is used because it offers fewer side effects than any others.
There are chances that you will find that the condition reappears within 12 months of the treatment. This is common among women even though it is unknown as to why. Antibiotics are usually prescribed again for the treatment.
Most of the time, the condition will go without any complications once treatment has been administered. There is usually no need to have a follow-up exam as long as all symptoms disappear. However, there are times when there are complications, especially when it comes to being pregnant.
This condition may lead to a baby being born prematurely and often leads to an infection in the amniotic fluid, meaning that there are chances the condition can pass onto the baby. There are also risks of infection after delivery, usually in the uterus.
Unfortunately, there have been no links to the use of bacterial vaginosis treatment during pregnancy on a condition that has no symptoms and the decrease in complications. This leads to many doctors staying away from treatment. Most of the time, this condition is nothing to worry about but you will need to have treatment to help it go away.
