One of the most common vaginal infections affecting a large number of women of child bearing age is bacterial Vaginosis. The walls of the cervix and the vagina create a clear liquid to clean this area. This liquid runs out naturally. In addition to cleaning, this fluid also moisturizes and lubricates the vagina. It is known as vaginal discharge and is a natural phenomenon.
The signs of the disease
If the vaginal discharge appears to be grey in color and is accompanied by unpleasant fishy odor, chances are you have bacterial Vaginosis. This fishy vaginal odor will persist despite repeated washing. This infection occurs due to the presence of harmful bacteria. The natural flora present in the vaginal region is Lactobacilli. It helps to maintain the pH balance of the genital region. If the amount of this beneficial bacterium is superseded by harmful bacteria, it leads to bacterial Vaginosis. This is a common problem associated with women health.
Apart from the distinctive fishy odor, other symptoms of the disease may include itching in the region of vagina and cervix, increased vaginal sweating and burning sensation during urination in some cases. Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection. However sexually active women, often with multiple partners or those who practice unsafe sex are found to be more vulnerable to the condition. Rape or sexual molestation also shows a high correlation with the incidence of this disease.
Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis
The increased discharge and the fishy smell are not only uncomfortable; they may seriously affect the social and sexual life of a woman. So it is better to ensure that you do not get this infection. One most helpful tip to avoid infection is to wear light clothes that allow your skin to breath. Tight fitting clothes like g strings, thongs and lace teddies should be used only occasionally. Light cotton under wears is best as they allow air to pass and keep the area dry. Harmful bacteria flourish in warm moist environment. So it is necessary to keep the vaginal area dry. Never keep on sweaty or moist clothes for long. Sleep in loose fitting garments.
Lactobacilli are the normal flora of the vagina and they flourish when you eat a lot of yogurt. If you want to stimulate their growth to maintain a healthy environment in the vagina you should eat more yogurts. At the same time avoid foods like sugar, alcohol, chocolate and cheese. They stimulate the growth of harmful bacteria.
Some reports claim that folic acid supplements help to prevent the disease.
The treatment
If you suspect yourself of having bacterial Vaginosis, you should consult a gynecologist. This is especially true if you are pregnant. Pregnant women who suffer from this infection are likely to give birth to low birth weight babies or premature infants. They are also more vulnerable to pelvic infections. Once the doctor performs a pelvic exam and diagnoses bacterial Vaginosis, he will probably prescribe a course of antibiotics for you. Along with the oral medication, washing with lukewarm water and unscented soaps helps to control the odor. However you should never use vaginal douches except under strict medical guidance because these douches upset the pH balance of the vagina and is likely to make the problem worse.
Above all maintain a strict regime of physical hygiene and practice safe sex. Regular baths and thorough cleaning, especially after vigorous physical or sexual activity help to control the infection.
The signs of the disease
If the vaginal discharge appears to be grey in color and is accompanied by unpleasant fishy odor, chances are you have bacterial Vaginosis. This fishy vaginal odor will persist despite repeated washing. This infection occurs due to the presence of harmful bacteria. The natural flora present in the vaginal region is Lactobacilli. It helps to maintain the pH balance of the genital region. If the amount of this beneficial bacterium is superseded by harmful bacteria, it leads to bacterial Vaginosis. This is a common problem associated with women health.
Apart from the distinctive fishy odor, other symptoms of the disease may include itching in the region of vagina and cervix, increased vaginal sweating and burning sensation during urination in some cases. Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection. However sexually active women, often with multiple partners or those who practice unsafe sex are found to be more vulnerable to the condition. Rape or sexual molestation also shows a high correlation with the incidence of this disease.
Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis
The increased discharge and the fishy smell are not only uncomfortable; they may seriously affect the social and sexual life of a woman. So it is better to ensure that you do not get this infection. One most helpful tip to avoid infection is to wear light clothes that allow your skin to breath. Tight fitting clothes like g strings, thongs and lace teddies should be used only occasionally. Light cotton under wears is best as they allow air to pass and keep the area dry. Harmful bacteria flourish in warm moist environment. So it is necessary to keep the vaginal area dry. Never keep on sweaty or moist clothes for long. Sleep in loose fitting garments.
Lactobacilli are the normal flora of the vagina and they flourish when you eat a lot of yogurt. If you want to stimulate their growth to maintain a healthy environment in the vagina you should eat more yogurts. At the same time avoid foods like sugar, alcohol, chocolate and cheese. They stimulate the growth of harmful bacteria.
Some reports claim that folic acid supplements help to prevent the disease.
The treatment
If you suspect yourself of having bacterial Vaginosis, you should consult a gynecologist. This is especially true if you are pregnant. Pregnant women who suffer from this infection are likely to give birth to low birth weight babies or premature infants. They are also more vulnerable to pelvic infections. Once the doctor performs a pelvic exam and diagnoses bacterial Vaginosis, he will probably prescribe a course of antibiotics for you. Along with the oral medication, washing with lukewarm water and unscented soaps helps to control the odor. However you should never use vaginal douches except under strict medical guidance because these douches upset the pH balance of the vagina and is likely to make the problem worse.
Above all maintain a strict regime of physical hygiene and practice safe sex. Regular baths and thorough cleaning, especially after vigorous physical or sexual activity help to control the infection.
About the Author:
Learn about home remedies for bacterial vaginosis and get rid of the problem without any drugs or expensive therapy at: http://www.vaginalodorcure.com/home-remedies-for-bacterial-vaginosis.
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