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Bacterial vaginosis or sometimes called BV is a particular condition of a ladies vagina that can sometimes produce a certain fishy smelling thin discharge and can be the result of some overgrowth of normal bacteria that can be found within a vagina.

Previously this condition was called Gardnerella vaginitis and which was named after bacteria which were often times believed to be the cause of this condition. Today it?s more often referred to by bacterial vaginosis or often times just called BV, reflecting on the knowledge there are quite a few species of certain bacteria that can live naturally inside the vagina but that could possibly grow in large excessive amounts.

The certain Gardnerella organism is not this only culprit causing these symptoms. Often times this many types of bacteria be out of balance, and a woman can have certain foul odors accompanied with vaginal discharge.

Even though bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, it is disturbing when these symptoms arise. Women that have a discolored or unusual discharge should visit her Doctor, who can then determine if there is a more serious ailment such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea could exists.

The symptoms of or BV (bacterial vaginosis) mainly consist of a thin vaginal discharge and usually a very strong fishy smell. Often, these will be the only symptoms. Symptoms may vary considerably, so what may be considered normal for one woman, may be different for the next. Any change in the amount of discharge that is not normal should be evaluated by her Doctor to determine the cause.

Having Bacterial Vaginosis with no symptoms whatsoever is also very entirely possible. Some women may experience a vaginal discharge with a very unpleasant fishy smell. The discharge itself is usually a grayish white and normally thin and is sometimes more prevalent after sexual intercourse.

Presently it is thought to be a combination of many bacteria present together that causes this problem to develop. A woman with BV or bacterial vaginosis has a reduction of the normal amount of lactobacilli, which produces hydrogen peroxide in the vagina. Research to determine the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis has been difficult.

The anaerobic species of bacteria, that is bacteria that can grow without oxygen present, increases the concentration of other strains of certain bacteria. The diagnosis and treatment is not just finding and eradicating only a particular single strain of species of bacteria. This is the reason that the bacteria combine which causes the bacterial infections are unknown. No known reason has been found as to why certain bacteria combine causing BV (bacterial vaginosis).

There are several factors that are known that can increase a woman?s odds that she will develop BV or bacterial vaginosis. These can include douching, tobacco usage, and new or more than one sexual partner. It?s not totally understood why sexual activity plays a role in developing BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) since there are women that have developed symptoms and never been sexually active.

After a woman reports increased thin vaginal discharge with her doctor he will probably ask routine questions that will help him distinguish if this is a somewhat mild or much more serious condition. In addition to these issues that could often possibly at times indicate that a certain condition is a lot more serious may include a temperature that is elevated, certain pelvic pain, even a new sex partner, or even multiple sex partners, having unprotected intercourse or also having had a sexually transmitted disease (STDs) before.

In addition to the questions above, a doctor will likely perform a pelvic examination. Your doctor may also examine the uterus and ovaries. During this exam, the doctor will note the appearance in the lining of the vagina and cervix.The cervix may also be checked for tenderness, which could indicate an infection that is more serious. Your doctor may also collect samples to evaluate you for gonorrhea or Chlamydia.

It is believed that clue cells are the most reliable indication bacterial vaginosis. Microscopic examination of your vaginal discharge for signs of a clue cell can help your doctor distinguish between bacterial vaginosis, candidias and trichomonas. Additionally women that have bacterial vaginosis or BV have fewer lactobacilli, the bacteria normally found in the vagina. A vaginal pH higher than 4.5 likely indicates the likely presence bacterial vaginosis.

Another test the Doctor may perform is called the Whiff Test. By placing a drop of potassium hydroxide liquid along with a small amount of the woman?s discharge with BV (Bacterial Vaginosis), the result is a pronounced fishy smelling odor.

BV in pregnant women has been reported to cause premature birth and also premature labor. It can also cause amniotic fluid infection, and possibly a uterine infection after her delivery. Routine screening or even treatment for BV while she is pregnant is still somewhat controversial. However, testing for and also treatment of BV may often be recommended if a woman has had a preterm birth before.

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Tags: Alternative Medicine, bacterial vaginosis, Bv, female health, feminine hygiene, health, Health and Fitness, health-wellness-fitness, health/nutritional products, Herbal Remedies, nutraceuticals, Sexual Health, sexually transmitted diseases, Vaginitis, women health