Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused when the “bad” bacteria in the vagina overrun the “good” bacteria in the vagina. Women’s vaginas all have a normal balance of microorganisms, if this sense of balance is upset this creates the BV infection. Bacterial vaginosis is not really a sexually transmitted disease but an inflammation causes by an unblance of the bacteria within the vagina. One of the most common complaints for women is inflammation fo the vagina known as bacterial vaginosis.

Although not fully understood why women get Bacterial Vaginosis, it is thought that some behaviors and activities can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and cause an increased risk including: having multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner, douching, using intrauterine devices (IUD), having a female sexual partner or having a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Bv can be passed on in many ways but it is usually just an introduction of bacteria to the vagina, this can happen through vagina secretions during intercourse.

The best advice is that if you have bacterial vaginosis or at least you think you do then make an appointment to see your doctor at your ealiest convience. BV should not be confused with a yeast infection or the Trichomoniasis infection, which are not caused by bacteria. BV is one of the most often misdiagnosed infections.

Although uncommon bacterial vaginosis can develope in pre pubescent young girls. The BV could possibly be caused by the strep bacteria or by improper hygiene (wiping) after bowel movements. It is imperative that mothers teach their daughters during potty training to wipe correctly, which is from front to back. And certianly not the other way round. It is normally considered a mild infection, which will go away on its own within a few days. However, if the infection shows no signs of disappearing, the woman should contact her physician as soon as possible for treatment.

Many things contribute the developement of bacterial vaginosis, some things that do not help are the wearing of tight clothes or underwear and also the wearing of a thong, the material will rub between the anus and vagina spreading bacteria. Cases of BV are more likely to appear in women that are sexually active between the ages of 15 and 44, especially after a woman has had contact with a new sexual partner. Although it is thought that condoms may provide some protection, there is no real evidence that spermicide decreases BV risk.

BV is generally associated with sexual activity and there is no clearer evidence of transmission, except via sexual activity. Virgins are also at risk of developing BV; however, there is no real answer why. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural bacterial flora is biologicaly or chemically unbalnced. Some recent studies however have shown that getting partners treated for bacterial vaginosis have limited the cases of recurrent BV.

Although there does seem to be a link between sexual partners and sexual intercourse with bacterial vaginosis in is unnecessary to get your partner treated. It is best practice to get fully tested for bacterial vaginosis if one developes the inflammation, get partners checked out also.

Find Out More About Bacterial Vaginitis

This entry was posted on Monday, March 30th, 2009 at 5:34 pm and is filed under Fertility. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.