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Bacterial Vaginosis: Frequently Asked Questions

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis, also called BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria, and fewer “harmful” bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in “harmful” bacteria and fewer “good” bacteria.
The vagina normally has a balance of mostly “good” bacteria and fewer “harmful” bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis, known as BV, develops when the balance changes. With BV, there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis or BV is an overgrowth of normal bacteria found in the vagina. BV can occur spontaneously resulting in a white, malodorous vaginal discharge. Other symptoms may include burning or itching of the vagina. Diagnosis is made in the office after an examination. Treatment includes oral metronidazole, metronidazole vaginal cream, clindamycin vaginal cream, and other types of medications. BV is not a sexually-transmitted disease, therefore, sexual partners do not need to be treated. ...
Bacterial vaginosis is usually caused by Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria. Why some women get this infection isn't clear. It's probably not caught from a sex partner. Possible signs are listed below. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic medicine, usually a pill. Signs of bacterial vaginosis A white, gray or yellowish vaginal discharge A fishy odor that is strongest after sex or after washing with soap Itching or burning Slight redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva
It is a condition caused by an imbalance of the vaginal flora due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (pathogen). Normally, about 95% of the vaginal flora is composed of lactobacilli bacteria. Lactobacilli help keep the vaginal pH level low and prevent overgrowth of other types of organisms. Women with bacterial vaginosis will experience a decrease of the lactobacillus population. Although the specific cause isn’t known, a number of health and lifestyle factors have been linked to bacterial vaginosis. ...
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of one or more types of bacteria, including Gardnerella (also called Haemophilus ) vaginalis , Mycoplasma species, and Mobilincus species. Symptoms include an unpleasant or fishy odor; increased vaginal discharge; or itching, burning, and redness in the vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis has been found to be prevalent among African American women, and treatment options include topical applications or oral antibiotics.

Does bacterial vaginosis need to be treated?

Yes, otherwise it can make a woman more prone to other problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV, and gonorrhoea besides the risk of low birth weight and premature babies.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

While BV is common among women attending STD clinics, it is not itself considered an STD since it may not be acquired through sexual contact. However, many experts believe that BV may enhance the transmittal of STDs. Copyright 3M National Vaginitis Association 2005 Disclaimer 3M Center, 275-3W-01 P.O. Box 33275 Saint Paul, MN 55133-3275

Does Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Affect My Ability To Have Children?

Bacterial vaginosis alone may not affect your ability to have children. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions, like pelvic inflammatory disease, which could definitely affect fertility. During pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis could lead to premature birth and low birth weight babies.

Is Probiostat ® Vaginal an adjunctive treatment for bacterial vaginosis only?

No, it is also recommended for prevention of specific and non-specific vaginal infections and for restoring and maintaining the normal vaginal flora. Probiostat® Vaginal can be used alone or in conjunction with other gynaecological treatment, as needed.

How common is bacterial vaginosis?

In the United States, as many as 16 percent of pregnant women have BV. This varies by race and ethnicity: 23 percent in African Americans, 16 percent in Hispanics, 9 percent in non-His­panic whites and 6 percent in Asians. As many as 800,000 pregnant women are estimated to have BV.

What are the complications of bacterial vaginosis?

In most cases, BV causes no complications. But there are some serious risks from BV including: Having BV can increase a woman’s chances of getting HIV infection if she is exposed to the HIV virus. Having BV increases the chances that an HIV-infected woman can pass HIV to others. Having BV and developing PID following sur­gical procedures seem to be related. Studies suggest that pregnant women are at increased risk for complications of BV.

What makes bacterial vaginosis (BV) serious for women who are pregnant?

Studies have shown that women with untreated BV are at higher risk of delivering prematurely or giving birth to a low-weight baby. Not all vaginal infections cause pregnancy problems, but BV is serious and requires attention. Screening and treatment is appropriate for pregnant women with symptomatic BV. Follow-up may be needed during the pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

Women with BV may have an abnormal vagi­nal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse. Discharge, if present, is usu­ally white or gray; it can be thin. Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all.

What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?

BV can make it easier to become infected with other STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Although BV will sometimes clear up without treatment, all women with symptoms of BV should be treated to avoid such complications as PID. Male partners generally do not need to be treated. However, BV may spread between female sex partners. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. All pregnant women who have ever had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby should be considered for a BV examination. ...

How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?

health care provider must examine the vagina for signs of BV and perform laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal fluid to look for bacteria that cause BV.
Doctors diagnose bacterial vaginosis by asking about the symptoms, doing a pelvic exam , and taking a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample can be tested to find out if you have bacterial vaginosis.

Is bacterial vaginosis considered an STD? If so, what would be the male counterpart?

Bacterial vaginosis is basically an overgrowth of a bacteria not normally found in high numbers in the vagina. Some physicians might consider this a sexually transmitted disease. However, it probably has more to do with other conditions, which may change the environment of the vagina and allow the normal bacteria that live there to grow out of bounds. In short, it is a condition that causes troublesome symptoms and is easily treated with an antibiotic. I don't believe that there is a male counterpart. ...

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Experts are not sure what causes the bacteria in the vagina to get out of balance. But certain things make it more likely to happen. Your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis is higher if you: Have more than one sex partner. Have a female sex partner. Have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) . Use an IUD for birth control. Douche. You may be able to avoid bacterial vaginosis if you limit your number of sex partners and don't douche. ...

My patient with bacterial vaginosis is allergic to metronidazole. What else can I use?

First make sure it is bacterial vaginosis, and then consider one of these other regimens. (WORD 86k)
Source: www.ihs.gov
First make sure it is bacterial vaginosis, and then consider one of these other regimens. http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/MCH/M/documents/BValtRX4406.doc Q. How do I get clinical privileges in deliveries, ultrasound, colposcopy, etc… A. It requires documentation of training, experience, and current competence. See details http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/MCH/M/documents/CredPriv4406.doc
Source: www.ihs.gov

How does bacterial vaginosis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

Pregnant women with BV more often have babies who are born premature or with low birth weight (less than 5 pounds). The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes infect the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus). This type of infection is called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes. Damage to the fallopian tubes may make ectopic pregnancy and infertility more likely in the future. ...

How do people get bacterial vaginosis?

The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria and fewer “harmful” bacteria. BV develops when there is a change in the conditions within the vagina that causes an increase in harmful bacteria. Not much is known about how women get BV. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. ...

What is Bacterial Vaginosis - also called BV?

It is the most common bacterial infection in women of childbearing age. It accounts for about 40% of all medical visits having to do with vaginal infections. BV does not represent a significant health risk for the women who are NOT pregnant. However, expectant mothers with symptoms of BV should definitely get medical treatment promptly.

What problems can bacterial vaginosis cause?

Bacterial vaginosis usually does not cause other health problems. But it can lead to serious problems in some cases. If you have it when you are pregnant, it increases the risk of miscarriage, early (preterm) delivery, and uterine infection after pregnancy. If you have it when you have a pelvic procedure such as a C-section , abortion, or hysterectomy , you are more likely to get a pelvic infection. ...

Should pregnant women be tested for bacterial vaginosis?

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