BacterialVaginosisOnline

Bacterial Vaginal Infections: How to Lower Your Risk

Bacterial vaginal infections are the most commonly occurring type of vaginitis. The other two types are yeast infections and trichomoniasis infections. The said infections affect from 10% to 64% of the female population at any given time. If left untreated then it can lead to more serious conditions.

The vagina normally has a balance of mostly “good” bacteria and fewer “harmful” bacteria. The bacterial vaginal infections, also known as bacterial vaginosis, develops when the balance changes. With this type of vaginitis, there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria.

The triggering factors that upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina are not exactly known. However, there is a risk of developing bacterial vaginal infections in having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, douching, using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control and not using condom.

In most cases, bacterial vaginal infections can’t cause any problems. But when left untreated, it can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight babies and pelvic inflammatory disease. Having bacterial vaginosis can raise your risk of HIV, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Women BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge as the primary symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. The discharge is usually white or gray and has an unpleasant odor. Some women report that the odor is most noticeable after having sex.

Other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, and irritation. These symptoms may also be caused by another type of vaginitis, so it is important to see a doctor. There have been cases where women suffering from bacterial vaginosis had no noticeable symptoms of bacterial vaginosis at all.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis:

• white, clear, cloudy or gray vaginal discharge
• foul smelling vaginal discharge
• worsening odor following sexual intercourse
• itchiness of the vagina
• redness of the vagina
• burning sensation during urination

Experts are still figuring out the best way to prevent bacterial vaginal infections, but some helpful suggestions can lower your risk. These are good nutrition, proper hygiene to help keep your vaginal bacteria balance, avoid douching, have a regular pelvic exams and finish your bacterial vaginosis medication even if the symptoms go away. Practicing safe sex is also very important.