BacterialVaginosisOnline

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common infection of the vagina. An abnormal vaginal discharge that is usually white or gray and has an unpleasant odor is one of the most common bacterial vaginosis symptoms. The odor is most noticeable after having sex.

Other bacterial vaginosis symptoms include burning sensation during urination, itching and redness of the vaginal area often accompany the discharge. Unfortunately, there have been cases where women had no noticeable symptoms. Only a physical examination can confirm the diagnosis by doing lab test of vaginal fluid.

Bacterial vaginosis symptoms:

• 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

Women who are pregnant are at special risk, and should see a healthcare provider right away if possible bacterial vaginosis symptoms are present.

Having BV when you're pregnant may raise your risk for preterm labor and birth, premature rupture of the bag of waters which leads to preterm labor, and infections including amnionitis, postpartum endometritis and post cesarean wound infections. Other studies have also shown a possible link to miscarriages and low birth weight.

In addition, having bacterial vaginosis symptoms has been associated with an increase in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.

When bacterial vaginosis occurs, something has happened to upset the natural balance of good and bad bacteria within the vagina, and as a result, overgrowth of bad bacteria causes a discharge and the characteristic “fishy” smell.

An elevated pH of over 4.7 (pH is a measure of acidity of the vaginal secretions) was associated with bacterial vaginosis. Normally the pH of the vagina is kept at an acidic level by lactobacilli bacteria which helps control the growth of other types of bacteria which are always present.

When the number of lactobacilli decrease or are not able to keep the pH level of the vagina at the appropriate acidic level, the pH rises and bad bacteria begin to increase in numbers.

Treatment is typically with over-the-counter products or antibiotics, either orally or in gels or creams. Infections typically are cured within a few days of treatment. But over 75% of women who take antibiotics to get rid of bacterial vaginosis will have a repeat of the condition within a few weeks. For this reason, more and more go for natural remedies.

Natural remedies are excellent alternative for treatment for bacterial vaginosis. These remedies offer permanent and lasting cure, strengthen our overall health and immune system to prevent recurrence, and are very cost effective.