Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs when different types of
bacteria outnumber the normal Lactobacillus bacteria in
the vagina.There are increased numbers of the following
organisms in the vaginas of women with BV:
Bacteroides
Gardnerella vaginalis
Mobiluncus
Mycoplasma hominis.
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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV is also called:
Gardnerella -associated vaginitis
Nonspecific vaginitis
It is one of the most common causes of vaginitis
symptoms among women, particularly those who are
sexually activity. It causes painful inflammation of the
vagina.
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Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Although more than 50% of women with BV have no
symptoms. When symptoms do occur they include:
excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge
that sticks to the vaginal walls,
fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most
noticeable after sex,
vaginal itching and irritation.
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 Photos of Bacterial vaginosis Symptoms
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Transmission of Bacterial vaginosis
The risk of acquiring BV is increased by:
changing sexual partners,
douching,
using intrauterine devices (IUDs).
The infection cannot be spread from person to person by
casual contact, such as:
clothing,
door knobs,
eating utensils,
swimming pools,
toilet seats.
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Diagnosis of Bacterial vaginosis
Diagnosis is general made by one of two methods:
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Physical Examination
observation made with the naked eye and nose
undergoing a pelvic examination.
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Laboratory Tests
A sample of the vaginal discharge is obtained and
viewed under the microscope, either stained or in special
lighting, to determine:
absence of lactobacilli
change in pH of vaginal fluid
decreased acidity.
If the vaginal cells have the classic appearance
of ‘clue cells’, cells from the vaginal lining that
are coated with the BV bacteria.
The presence of Gardnerella bacteria is
confirmed by microscopic examination.
As an added confirmation of infection, the
sample is mixed with potassium hydroxide and
produces a strong fishy odor when the bacteria
are present.
Private Online STD Testing:
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) Treatment
BV can be difficult to cure using either conventional or
alternative treatments.
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Conventional Treatment
Although it is uncertain if BV is sexually transmitted,
treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent
re-infection.
The usual treatment is antibiotics, taken orally or
vaginally, including:
Ampicillin
Ceftriaxone
Clindamycin
Femmesil
Metronidazole
Tetracycline.
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Naturopathic Treatments
Abstaining from sexual activity while the
bacterial imbalance/infection is healing.
Direct applications of local, anti-microbial
products.
S upport the immune system and its ability to
fight the infection and balance the vaginal
system.
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Dietary Recommendations:
Include in your diet:
flaxseed (Linseed) meal and oil – quality source
of omega 3
fresh vegetables and fruits
unrefined grains
organic meats, including fish, poultry
plenty of pure fresh water – spring water or filter
water.
Use foods that have been raised without the use of
chemical fertilizers or pesticides wherever possible.
Reduce or avoid :
alcohol
coffee
fast foods
processed foods
refined flour products (bread, pasta, etc.)
saturated fats from animal products
sugar
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Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin C (1,000 mg three times daily with
meals)
Zinc (30 mg daily)
Proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase
effectiveness of the medication.
These include:
Bromelain (400mg)
Wobenzme N (5 tablets three times a day away
from meals).
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Herbal Therapeutics
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) vaginal
suppositories
Goldenseal/Vitamin A vaginal suppository twice
daily
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Homeopathic Therapeutics
Aspergillus
Candida
Notatum
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Other Treatments
Warm sitz baths with tea tree oil ( Melaleuca
alternifolia)
Vaginal douching using: Goldenseal (Hydrastis
canadensis) and Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia
aqjuifolium).
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Bacterial vaginosis Prevention
Although it is uncertain if the infection is sexually
transmitted, sexually active women appear to suffer
from the infection more than other women.
Help Factors:
Abstain from sex until the infection is cured and
all symptoms have ceased.
Inform any sex partners so treatment may be
undertaken.
Limit sexual relationships to a single, uninfected
partner.
Regular use of condoms may offer protection
against the infection.
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Bacterial Vaginosis Prognosis
Complications:
BV is thought to be associated with:
ectopic (tubal) pregnancy,
infertility (unable to have children),
low birth weight in infants born to infected
mothers,
pelvic infections,
premature birth in infants born to infected
mothers.
Bacterial Vaginosis also increases the risk of acquiring:
gonorrhea
HIV infection
other STD s