Bacterial Vaginosis In Women
October 22, 2009
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by the infection in vagina. This infection in turn is caused by the excessive growth of some bacteria in the vagina. Usually there are good bacteria that live in the vagina called lactobacilli and some anaerobic bacteria too.
When the number of anaerobic bacteria increases it causes bacterial vaginosis. This disease is characterized with a fluid discharge having a fishy smell from the vagina. This is a sexually transmitted disease.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
The reduction in the number of hydrogen peroxide producing bacteria called lactobacilli in the vagina and the over growth of anaerobic bacteria together cause this disease. E.coli that normally appears in the rectal area may spread to the vaginal region and then it cause vaginosis.
Poor hygiene coupled with hot weather may increase the risk of this disease. Use of birth controlling devices like intrauterine device may cause this disease. Diabetes reduces resistance of a woman and it may leads to bacterial vaginosis.
Similarly menopause also increases the risk of having this disease. Having sexual intercourse with multiple partners or with new partner, sex with out condoms, douching etc also increases the risk of getting this disease.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
There will be vaginal discharge in the affected women and the amount of discharge may vary from person to person. The discharge may be white and at times grey. It may be thin or thick. Vaginal discharge is most probably accompanied with foul smell. Some times there will be itching and burning sensation. Sometimes the odor of the vaginal discharge becomes severe after having intercourse.
Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis
Always wear panties that can absorb moisture and also allows air circulation. Avoid the tight fitting clothes. Avoid perfumed toilet papers, harsh soaps, spermicides, perfumes etc in the vaginal area. While using toilet papers try to wipe from front to back so as to avoid the spreading of E.coli from the rectum.
Try to avoid douching as it affects the natural organisms in the vagina. Always use condoms while having sex and this will protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
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