I May Have Bacterial Vaginosis - What Now?
Is it the excessive vaginal discharge? Or the fishy odor that you have noticed? These are just a few of the tell tale symptoms of bacterial vaginosis also previously known as gardnerella vaginitis. This is one of the top three most common vaginal infections experienced by a lot of women. If you have said to yourself "I may have bacterial vaginosis. What now?" This article discusses the symptoms and treatment options for bacterial vaginosis.
This particular vaginal infection is the result of a significant change in the normal bacteria levels present in the vagina when the normal bacteria in the vagina grow excessively. It is important to note that bacterial vaginosis may not cause symptoms in some women, however as mentioned above, some of the most common symptoms for this vaginal infection include an uncomfortable and embarrassing "fishy" smell as well as having an excessive vaginal discharge.
Not seeking bacterial vaginosis treatment promptly may affect fertility because it may lead to various fallopian and uterus infections as reported in a few cases. Bacterial vaginosis may also lead to the premature delivery of a baby when a pregnant woman suffers from the condition. Seeking prompt treatment is therefore highly recommended because this vaginal infection can lead to various other conditions.
Although pinpointing the exact cause for bacterial vaginosis is still unknown, various factors increase the risk of developing this vaginal infection. The various risk factors include but are not limited to having multiple sexual partners (although a woman with no sex partners can still develop the condition), smoking, a woman involved in a same gender sexual relationship, vaginal douching, etc.
In order to be certain that you have bacterial vaginosis, you will need to be tested by your personal physician. Schedule an appointment with your doctor when you notice an excessive vaginal discharge or fishy odor. The treatment options offered are easily available to most women for the treatment of this condition and vary from traditional to holistic treatments.
Bacterial Vaginosis Testing
1. A pelvic exam may be performed and involves the observation of the vaginal lining and examination of the uterus and ovaries. Samples may be obtained to rule out STDs.
2. The vaginal discharge may be examined under a microscope to distinguish bacterial vaginosis from other vaginal infections that include trichomonas and yeast infections (these are the top three vaginal infections).
3. A "whiff test" is sometimes performed that produces a fishy smell when the vaginal discharge is mixed with a specific chemical.
Traditional Treatment Options
Traditional medicine usually prescribes antibiotics that are taken orally or applied directly to the vagina for bacterial vaginosis treatment such as Tinidamax/Tinidazole, Metronidazole (vaginal gel or pill) or a vaginal clindamycyn cream. These antibiotics in addition to being expensive can lead to various side effects which is why more and more women are turning to holistic or natural cures for the treatment of this particular vaginal infection. Using traditional medicine also leads to about 50% of women with the condition having a flare up in the year after treatment of this vaginal infection.
Holistic Treatment Options
In order to avoid the side effects and flare ups associated with traditional treatment methods, holistic remedies offer many women effective solutions for the treatment and cure of bacterial vaginosis. Holistic methods seek to get to the root of the problem and not merely treat the symptoms of this vaginal infection. Natural remedies use ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen or at a local health store for minimal cost when compared to the cost for antibiotics as well as the additional costs related to possible return of the condition.
This particular vaginal infection is the result of a significant change in the normal bacteria levels present in the vagina when the normal bacteria in the vagina grow excessively. It is important to note that bacterial vaginosis may not cause symptoms in some women, however as mentioned above, some of the most common symptoms for this vaginal infection include an uncomfortable and embarrassing "fishy" smell as well as having an excessive vaginal discharge.
Not seeking bacterial vaginosis treatment promptly may affect fertility because it may lead to various fallopian and uterus infections as reported in a few cases. Bacterial vaginosis may also lead to the premature delivery of a baby when a pregnant woman suffers from the condition. Seeking prompt treatment is therefore highly recommended because this vaginal infection can lead to various other conditions.
Although pinpointing the exact cause for bacterial vaginosis is still unknown, various factors increase the risk of developing this vaginal infection. The various risk factors include but are not limited to having multiple sexual partners (although a woman with no sex partners can still develop the condition), smoking, a woman involved in a same gender sexual relationship, vaginal douching, etc.
In order to be certain that you have bacterial vaginosis, you will need to be tested by your personal physician. Schedule an appointment with your doctor when you notice an excessive vaginal discharge or fishy odor. The treatment options offered are easily available to most women for the treatment of this condition and vary from traditional to holistic treatments.
Bacterial Vaginosis Testing
1. A pelvic exam may be performed and involves the observation of the vaginal lining and examination of the uterus and ovaries. Samples may be obtained to rule out STDs.
2. The vaginal discharge may be examined under a microscope to distinguish bacterial vaginosis from other vaginal infections that include trichomonas and yeast infections (these are the top three vaginal infections).
3. A "whiff test" is sometimes performed that produces a fishy smell when the vaginal discharge is mixed with a specific chemical.
Traditional Treatment Options
Traditional medicine usually prescribes antibiotics that are taken orally or applied directly to the vagina for bacterial vaginosis treatment such as Tinidamax/Tinidazole, Metronidazole (vaginal gel or pill) or a vaginal clindamycyn cream. These antibiotics in addition to being expensive can lead to various side effects which is why more and more women are turning to holistic or natural cures for the treatment of this particular vaginal infection. Using traditional medicine also leads to about 50% of women with the condition having a flare up in the year after treatment of this vaginal infection.
Holistic Treatment Options
In order to avoid the side effects and flare ups associated with traditional treatment methods, holistic remedies offer many women effective solutions for the treatment and cure of bacterial vaginosis. Holistic methods seek to get to the root of the problem and not merely treat the symptoms of this vaginal infection. Natural remedies use ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen or at a local health store for minimal cost when compared to the cost for antibiotics as well as the additional costs related to possible return of the condition.
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