The vaginal is uniquely sensitive to the growth of both good and bad bacteria. Any time you eat something or use something to wash your body, you are potentially changing the PH level of your vagina and affecting that bacteria. This is why it is not uncommon for doctors to encounter bacterial infections in women.

Bacterial Vaginosis is known to develop when the amount of lactobacillus, or good bacteria, is disrupted. The change in good vaginal bacteria allows bad bacteria to grow and create infections.

How Common is BV

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three women between the ages of 15 and 44 have Bacterial Vaginosis. Even more concerning, is that in most cases the women are unaware of the infection. Easily caused by a change in sexual partners, smoking, and using douches, this bacterial infection in women is extremely common and easy to treat after establishing positive test results.

Risks Related to BV

While easily treated, Bacterial Vaginosis can wreak havoc if not dealt with swiftly. Research has shown a link between untreated Bacterial Vaginosis and the following conditions:

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • Miscarriage
  • Preterm Labor/Delivery

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

This bacterial infection in women will not show signs in roughly 85% of those infected with it. However, the other 15% of women who experienced symptoms reported the following:

  • Strong vaginal odor
  • Vaginal irritation and itchy
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Yellow or green vaginal secretions

It is worth noting that Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease but sexual activity can be a contributing factor.

Testing & Treatment

Bacterial Vaginosis is easily tested for by taking vaginal secretions and viewing them under a microscope. Once the test results for this bacterial infection in women is identified, a doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics that should get rid of all the bad bacteria. From there, it is a good idea to eat a probiotic-rich diet and avoiding using douches so that your vagina has time to regrow the good bacteria.

Contributor: admin