What you should know about Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginal infection. For more information, see about other common, the topics vaginal yeast infections and Trichomoniasis.

Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of "good" bacteria and some "bad" bacteria in the vagina. The good types help fight the growth of bad types. In women with bacterial vaginosis, the balance is disturbed. There are not enough good bacteria and bad bacteria too much.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually a mild problem that on her own in a few days can disappear. But it can cause more serious problems. So it is a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.

Experts are not sure what the cause of the bacteria in the vagina to get out of balance. But certain things make it more likely. Your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis is higher if you:

Have more than one sex partner or a new sex partner.Smoke. shower.

Avoid possible bacterial vaginosis if you your number of sex partners limit and no shower or smoke.

Bacterial vaginosis is more common in women who are sexually active. But it's probably not something that you know of any other person.

The most common symptom is a smelly vaginal discharge. It may look greyish white or yellow. A sure sign of bacterial vaginosis is a fishy smell, "" that is worse after sex can be. About half of women with bacterial vaginosis have not notice any symptoms.

Many things can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consult your doctor so you can be tested and the proper treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis diagnosis doctors by asking about the symptoms, a pelvic exam, and a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample can be tested to find out if you have bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually not lead to other health problems. But it can cause serious problems in some cases.

If you have if you are pregnant, increases the risk of miscarriage, early (preterm) delivery and uterine infection after pregnancy.You have when you a basin procedure such as a c-section, abortion or hysterectomy, you are more likely to have a pelvic infection. You have and you are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (including HIV), you're more chance of catching the disease.

Getting treated with antibiotics can help prevent these problems.

Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. The most often used are metronidazole (Flagyl), and Clindamycin (Cleocin). They come if you swallow pills or as a cream or capsules (called ovules) in your vagina. If you are pregnant, you need to take pills.

Bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 2 or 3 days treatment with antibiotics, but goes on for 7 days. Don't Stop using your medicine just because your symptoms better. Make sure the entire course of antibiotics.

If you are treated with antibiotics:

Avoid all alcohol use, including over-the-counter medicines containing alcohol (such as NyQuil), contain metronidazole or tinidazole if you. Mixing alcohol and metronidazole, tinidazole, and or alcohol can lead to severe nausea and vomiting.The oil in clindamycin cream and ovules can weaken latex. This means condoms and diaphragms can break, and you may not be protected against STIs or pregnancy.

Antibiotics usually work well and have few side effects. But they can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. An infection can cause itching, redness and lumpy, white discharge. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor about what to do.

Frequently asked questions

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