Bacterial Vaginosis(BV for short)is a very distressing and embarrassing condition. For many women bacterial vaginosis is not normally a serious condition,however for others who get repeated attacks it can cause lasting psychological and emotional damage.

It is one of the most common causes of vaginitis symptoms among childbearing women particularly those who are sexually active.
Bacterial vaginosis is not caused by a particular organism but by a change in the balance of normal vaginal bacteria or a change in the PH balance. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina due to the depletion of lactobacillus. The vagina normally contains a lot of good bacteria called lactobacilli and some other bacteria called anaerobes. Too many anaerobes can cause this imbalance.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?

Excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge that sticks to the vaginal walls.

Fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex.

Itching and irritation around the vagina.

Burning during urination.

COMMON SENSE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Avoid douching: douching disrupts the balance of the vagina's natural organisms. It may lead to infection and may also cause the infection to spread up to the reproductive tract. Most douches also contain hydrogen low concentration (PH) which deviates from the normal level, making you prone to more Bacterial vaginosis.

Keep the vaginal area dry and clean. Wash vaginal area with clean water and dry thoroughly before and after sex.

Avoid tight fitting jeans. Wear panties that fit well and are made of breathable cotton. The material should be able to absorb moisture and allow air to circulate. Nylon underwear and tights do not absorb moisture. Wear loose fitting trousers and try to avoid wearing nylon pants and tights under tight trousers,especially at night.

Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements to prevent Escherichia colic entering the vagina (Wipe from Vaginal to anus).

Avoid scented toilet paper, deodorant tampons and other perfumed personal hygiene products.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotics. However many women get repeated attacks. There are many simple, safe and effective natural remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis.Find out how to cure Bacterial vaginosis permanently the Natural way

What is bacterial vaginosis(BV) and what causes it?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. The cause of BV is not fully understood. Bacterial vaginosis is not caused by a particular organism but by a change in the balance of normal vaginal bacteria or a change in the PH balance.BV develops when there is an increase in "harmful" bacteria and fewer "good" bacteria.

What are the signs of BV?
Women with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fishy odor, especially after sexual intercourse. The discharge can be white (milky) or gray and thin. Other symptoms may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, and irritation. Some women with BV have no symptoms at all.
How can I find out if I have BV?
There is a test to find out if you have BV.Your doctor takes a sample of fluid from your vagina and has it tested. Your doctor may also be able to see signs of BV, like a grayish-white discharge, during an examination of the vagina.

Is it safe to treat pregnant women who have BV?
All pregnant women with symptoms of BV or who have had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby in the past should be tested for BV and treated if they have it.The same antibiotics that are used to treat non-pregnant women can be used safely during pregnancy. However, the amount of antibiotic a woman takes during pregnancy may be different from the amount taken if not pregnant.

Can BV cause medical problems?
In most cases, BV doesn't cause any problems. But some problems can happen if BV is untreated.

BV can cause premature delivery and low birth weight babies.

Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection that can affect a woman's uterus, ovaries,and fallopian tubes,which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Having BV can increase the chances of getting other STDs,such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

How is BV treated?
Most common treatment for BV is with antibiotics,such as metronidazole or clindamycin.

Can BV be treated naturally?
The key to treating BV is to deal with the root cause of your infection. Make simple changes to your lifestyle and learn to manage your stress level.

CLICK HERE TO FIND CURE FOR BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

I HAVE BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: SHOULD I DOUCHE?

Most doctors, Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest that women steer clear of douching. All healthy vaginas contain some bacteria and other organisms called the vaginal flora. The normal acidity of the vagina keeps the amount of bacteria down. But douching can change this delicate balance. This may make a woman more prone to bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections. Douching can also spread existing vaginal infections up into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Research shows that women who douche regularly have more health problems than women who do not. Health problems linked to douching include:
*Vaginal irritation
*Vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis (BV)
*Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and
*Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)-It is caused by bacteria that travel from a woman's vagina and cervix up into her reproductive organs. If left untreated, PID can cause fertility problems (difficulties getting pregnant). Some STDs, BV, and PID can all lead to serious problems during pregnancy. Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina (also called the birth canal) with water or other mixtures of fluids.

Why do women douche?
Common reasons women give for using douches include: *To clean the vagina
*To rinse away blood after monthly periods
*To get rid of odors from the vagina
*To avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
*To prevent pregnancy

How common is douching?
Douching is common among women in the United States. It is estimated that 20 to 40 percent of American women aged 15 to 44 years douche regularly. About half of these women douche every week.

What are the dangers linked to douching?
Research shows that women who douche regularly have more health problems than women who do not. Doctors are still unsure whether douching causes these problems. Health problems linked to douching include:
vaginal irritation, vaginal infections called bacterial vaginosis or BV,sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

My vagina has a terrible odor, can douching help?
No. Douching will only cover up the smell. It will not make it go away. If your vagina has a bad odor, you should call your doctor right away. It could be a sign of a bacterial infection, urinary tract infection, STD or a more serious problem.