What is bacterial vaginosis? Many times this infection causes severe discomfort to the victim. The question, what is bacteria vaginosis, needs to be answered before a victim can become calm and seek the necessary treatment. Of course it is a condition that is unique to women. The condition occurs in the vagina and is first detected as a discharge from this part of the body. The vagina has normal bacteria, but with bacteria vaginosis there is an over growth of its presence.
The former name for this condition was Gardnerella vaginitis, named after the bacteria that was thought to be the source. The name was changed to this new name representing the presence of several types of bacteria that live in the vagina. Either of these can grow excessively. An imbalance of these various bacteria can result in the very foul odor coming from the occurring discharge. This is not a dangerous condition, but a very disturbing one. The discovery of the abnormal discharge should alert the woman to get an examination to be sure there are not more serious problems developing in the form of chlamydia or gonorrhea which are very serious health issues. This condition is also similar in appearance to a vaginal yeast infections and a sexually transmitted disease known as trichinosis. A physical examination is needed to rule these health problems out.
This health issue is a common occurrence infecting about 29% of the women in America. Pregnant women have about a 16% rate of infection. Women who contract an STD, have about a 60% chance of infection.
Actually most women, approximately 85%, do not show any symptoms of the condition’s presence. The usual symptom is the discharge from the vaginal area coupled with a fishy odor which is unpleasant. It can be grayish in color and thin in appearance. It is many times noticed after a sexual encounter.
Studies indicate that multiple bacteria must interact together to cause the infection to develop. When it appears, there is an indication that there is a reduction in the normal hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli in the vaginal area. At the same time, an increase in other bacteria strains concentrates in the area. The main one of these is anaerobic bacteria which is the kind that multiplies in number in the absence of oxygen. Because of these multiple strains, the diagnosis and treatment must such that can combat these different germs at the same time.
The reason for this infection developing has not yet been discovered. Factors that appear to be contributors are multiple or new sex partners. Other contributors are recent antibiotic use, douching, smoking, and intrauterine contraception devices. The condition can develop in any woman whether or not there has been any sexual activity in her life. The important thing to do is recognize that there is something that is occurring that is different. Get the appropriate physical exam to rule out more serious health problems. When symptoms appear that are determined to be this condition, get the proper treatment to eliminate what can become an isolating infection. Hope you now know what is bacterial vaginosis from the article above.
