Bacterial Vaginosis ("BV")

by Adelaide G. Nardone, MD,
Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common form of vaginitis. Up to 50% of women with vulvovaginal symptoms such as l itching, odor or abnormal discharge have BV.1

The bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis occur naturally and normally live in the vagina in small numbers. They usually exist in a delicate balance with good vaginal bacteria called Lactobacilli. However, when something upsets this balance, the lactobacilli become diminished and the BV bacteria may overgrow. When this happens, Bacterial Vaginosis occurs. It is marked by a higher than normal vaginal pH (>4.5) and usually an increase in discharge. If you have vaginitis symptoms (vaginal itching, odor, unusual discharge) checking vaginal pH is a good way of determining if you might have BV. Try the over the counter Vagisil® Screening Kit to measure your pH.

Risk factors for developing Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) include: douching, antibiotics, new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, use of an IUD, previous BV infections, and genetic predisposition.

The main symptom of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an increase in discharge. The discharge may have a strong fishy odor. The discharge can be thin, gray or greenish in color. The odor may be stronger or more noticeable during menstruation or after sex. Itching, irritation may also occur.

Your doctor can use several tests to detect Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), including a wet mount, (looking for special "clue cells" under the microscope), a "whiff test" (testing for amine in the vagina), and a vaginal pH measurement (since the vaginal pH is elevated in this condition).

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection ("STI"). However, having BV may make you more vulnerable to STIs and other pelvic infections. Treatment of BV requires prescription antibiotics that can be taken orally or applied vaginally as directed by your doctor.

Bacterial Vaginosis Dos:

• Do consider using the Vagisil® Screening Kit at home to help you determine your vaginal pH
• Do consult with your gynecology provider if you have any abnormal discharge or odor
• Do try Vagisil® Medicated Wipes, Vagisil® Deodorant Powder or Vagisil® Wash to help alleviate the odor until the treatment kicks in

Bacterial Vaginosis Don'ts:

• Don't self treat with an OTC anti-fungal if you have an unusual discharge
• Don't douche to get rid of the "odor"
• Don't wash incessantly because you're embarrassed about the "odor"
• Don't have sex if you are not sure of what type of infection you have
• Don't ignore this problem as it requires proper evaluation and prescription treatment

For more information go to: http://www.vagisil.com