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.