Bacterial Vaginitis 101

Bacterial vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis as it is called by medical personnel is a bacterial infection of the vagina. It is usually caused by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginitis. This bacteria is not the only cause of bacterial vaginosis, but it is the most commonly found bacteria. Part of the reason is Gardnerella vaginitis can be found normally in many women's vaginas.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginitis
The problem is when the bacterial balance in the vagina is disturbed. The imbalance causes the bacteria to multiply and grow uncontrolled. The result is discharge and a foul odor. The most frequently used word for the odor is “fishy.”

The reason for the imbalance is not known. It is known that bacterial vaginitis spreads through sexual intercourse, women who use IUD's as a method of birth control and women who douche.

What Can Happen If The Bacterial Vaginitis Isn't Treated?
Other than the smell and discharge, the results of an untreated case of bacterial vaginosis can be dangerous and long lasting. Bacterial vaginitis can cause pregnancy complications including early birth,miscarriage or pelvic inflammation.

But long term it can cause infertility problems and sterility if the infection moves into other parts of the female reproductive system.

Testing Strips For Yeast Infection Or Bacterial Vaginosis

We live in a get it done and fix it immediately world. So often when we apply that philosophy to our health we make an incorrect decision.

As I mentioned earlier, bacterial vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginitis a woman experiences. But most of us feel the itching and the burning and immediately jump to the conclusion: Yeast Infection.

If we slow down just a little bit, then we might be able to self-diagnose a little more accurately. In a study women were found to correctly diagnosis their yeast infection 96% of the time.

With using test strips for yeast infection, you can find out whether or not you have a yeast infection or a more serious bacterial vaginosis.

So do yourself a favor, take the time and test yourself.

What Is Bacterial Vaginitis Or Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginitis. Most women think yeast infections are the most common. But actually bacteria not yeast is the cause of much vaginal discomfort and itching.

Bacterial vaginosis or BV as it is called by medical professionals is caused by an imbalance of the normal organisms in the vagina. Normally yeast, good bacteria (lactobacillus) and not so good bacteria (Gardnerella) live in the vagina in a nice balance. Sometimes the good bacteria are not able to maintain the balance and an infection results.

When the Gardnerella take over they produce a discharge that is often described as fishy. The discharge is thin and clear to a light gray. Many women describe the odor as being extremely noticeable after sexual intercourse or just before their period.

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition which women should not take lightly. Untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, premature labor and other complications.