STDS/STIS

Bacterial Vaginosis

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) had reported that Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common issue women of childbearing age have, further more than three-quarters of the women found to have BV report no symptoms at all.

BV is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally found in a woman's vagina. A woman's vagina must maintain a delicate balance of acidity and alkalinity in order to be healthy. When this changed the normal balance of bacteria is disrupted causing an overgrowth of certain bacteria which may be accompanied by a combination of pain, itching, burning, odor and/or discharge.

The condition is not a true STD/STI as it cannot be transferred via sex, but it is important to remember that anything going into your vagina should be clean to prevent BV.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of BV is abnormal discharge, and strong odor. Some people say the odor is foul or fishy smelling, particularly after sexual intercourse. BV vaginal discharge may appear grayish, yellow or white. You may also experience a burning sensation during urination and/or itchiness near the outside of the vagina.

Health Risks

Having BV may increase a woman's susceptibility to other STDs such as AIDS, Herpes, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. BV has also been associated with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is known to cause infertility and possibly increase future risk of ectopic pregnancy, a life threatening condition. BV may put a pregnant woman's infant at risk for complications such as low birth and pre-term delivery.

Transmission

As stated before ensure anything being put inside your vagina is clean, once somthing is pulled out of your vagina make sure it is cleaned before it is put into anyone else. Further douching and excessive washing of the vagina with bath or shower products that may irritate the skin can also cause BV.

Treatment

Sometimes BV will clear up on its own, however but if you feel you are having a problem see your gynecologist for more information on what to do in your particular case. BV may be spread between female sexual partners, though male partners generally don't need treatment if their female partners develop it.

Remember

Many women found to have BV report having no symptoms at all, this is why it is important that sexually active women have regular physical examinations and STD/STI testing to identify anything unusual. They should also consider getting tested if they notice any irregularity in the smell, consistency or color of vaginal discharge.