Bacterial Vaginosis Information and Pictures

Information and pictures on Bacterial Vaginosis one of the most commonly sexually transmitted diseases. Information including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, transmission, prevention and other general information.

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BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

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When different types of bacteria outnumber the normal bacteria, Lactobacillus, an imbalance is caused in the bacterial organisms that exist in the vagina.

Instead of Lactobacillus bacteria being the most numerous, increased numbers of other organisms are found in the vaginas of women with Bacterial vaginosis (BV) such as:

Bacteroides

Gardnerella vaginalis

Mobiluncus

Mycoplasma hominis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also called:

Gardnerella-associated vaginitis

nonspecific vaginitis

It is one of the most common causes of vaginitis symptoms among women, particularly those who are sexually active, producing painful inflammation of the vagina.

Symptoms

Although more than 50% of women with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) have no symptoms, when symptoms do occur they include:

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

fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex

vaginal itching and irritation

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Transmission

The risk of acquiring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is increased by:

changing sexual partners

douching

using intrauterine devices (IUDs)

The infection can not be spread from person to person by casual contact, such as:

clothing

door knobs

eating utensils

swimming pools

toilet seats

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by:

Physical Examination

observation made with the naked eye and nose

undergoing a pelvic examination

Laboratory Tests

A sample of the vaginal discharge is obtained and viewed under the microscope, either stained or in special lighting, to determine:

Absence of lactobacilli

Change in pH of vaginal fluid

Decreased acidity

If the vaginal cells have the classic appearance of 'clue cells', cells from the vaginal lining that are coated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) organisms, which appear in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

The presence of Gardnerella bacteria to confirm by microscopic examination

As an added confirmation

The sample is mixed with potassium hydroxide and produces a strong fishy odor when the bacteria is present

Treatment

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be difficult to cure using either conventional or alternative treatments.

Conventional Treatment

Although it is uncertain if Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is sexually transmitted treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent re-infection

The usual treatment is antibiotics, taken orally or vaginally, including:

Ampicillin

Ceftriaxone

Clindamycin,

Metronidazole

Tetracycline

Naturopathic Treatment

Abstaining from sexual activity while the bacterial imbalance/infection is healing

Direct applications of local, anti-microbial products

Support the immune system and its ability to fight the infection and balance the vaginal system

Dietary Recommendations
Include in your diet:

flax seed (Linseed) meal and oil

fresh vegetables and fruits

grains

meats, including fish, poultry

plenty of fresh water

Use foods that have been raised without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides wherever possible.

Avoid:

alcohol

coffee

fast foods

processed foods

refined flour products (bread, pasta, etc.)

saturated fats from animal products

sugar

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin C (1,000 mg three times daily with meals)
Zinc (30 mg daily)

Proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase effectiveness of the medication.

These include:

Bromelain (400mg)

Wobenzme N (5 tablets three times a day away from meals)

Herbal Therapeutics

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) vaginal suppositories
Goldenseal/Vitamin A vaginal suppository twice daily

Homeopathic Therapeutics

Aspergillus

Candida

Notatum

Other Treatments

Warm sitz baths with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Vaginal douching using:

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aqjuifolium)

Prevention

Although it is uncertain if the infection is sexually transmitted, sexually active women appear to suffer from the infection more than other women

Help Factors

Abstain from sex until the infection is cured and all symptoms have ceased

Inform any sex partners so treatment may be undertaken

Limit sexual relationships to a single, uninfected partner

Regular use of condoms may offer protection against the infection

Prognosis

Complications

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is thought to be associated with:

ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

infertility (unable to have children)

low birth weight in infants born to infected mothers

pelvic infections

premature birth in infants born to infected mothers

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) increases the risk of acquiring:

gonorrhea

HIV infection

other STDS

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Information and pictures on this site are provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.