Bacterial Vaginosis
What Every Woman Should Know
Bacterial
Vaginosis (BV for short) is a very distressing and
embarrassing condition. For many women bacterial vaginosis
is not normally a serious condition, however for others
who get repeated attacks it can cause lasting psychological
and emotional damage.
10-40% of women have had bacterial vaginosis at least once.
Yet bacterial vaginosis is not widely known about and can
be easily misunderstood by the medical profession.
Bacterial vaginosis is not caused by a particular organism
but by a change in the balance of normal vaginal bacteria
or a change in the PH balance. Bacterial vaginosis is caused
by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina due to
the depletion of lactobacillus. The vagina normally contains
a lot of good bacteria called lactobacilli and some other
bacteria called anaerobes. Too many anaerobes can cause
this imbalance.
In the USA, 16% of pregnant
women have Bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis
is also called Gardenerella-associated vaginitis or non
specific vaginitis.It is one of the most common causes of
vaginitis symptoms among childbearing women particularly
those who are sexually active.
What are the signs and symtoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
- Excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge that
sticks to the vaginal walls.
- Fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable
after sex.
- Itching and irritation around the vagina.
- Burning during urination.
Common sense ways to prevent Bacterial Vaginosis
- Avoid douching: douching disrupts the balance of the
vagina's natural organisms. It may lead to infection and
may also cause the infection to spread up to the reproductive
tract. Most douches also contain hydrogen low concentration
(PH) which deviates from the normal level, making you
prone to more Bacterial vaginosis.
- Keep the vaginal area dry and clean. Wash vaginal area
with clean water and dry thoroughly before and after sex.
- Avoid tight fitting jeans. Wear panties that fit well
and are made of breathable cotton. The material should
be able to absorb moisture and allow air to circulate.
Nylon underwear and tights do not absorb moisture. Wear
loose fitting trousers and try to avoid wearing nylon
pants and tights under tight trousers, especially at night.
In fact if you can, especially at night, wear no panties
at all and let your vagina breathe!
- Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements
to prevent Escherichia colic entering the vagina (Wipe
from Vaginal to anus).
- Avoid scented toilet paper, deodorant tampons and other
perfumed personal hygiene products.
- Bathing in perfumed water or bubble baths also cause
damage by irritating the vaginal area. Soaps, bubble baths
all can cause irritation to the vagina. Pour cold water
over the perineum. It also helps to prevent urinary infections
by washing away germs before they reach the urethra.
- Change tampons or pads frequently.
- Loss excess weight- it makes itching worse.
- Avoid using biological washing powder. Washing powder
contains harsh chemicals which can irritate your vagina.
- Avoid vaginal deodorants as they can irritate the mucous
membranes. They can make your vagina dry and itchy and
can cause allergic reaction.
- Intra-uterine device or IUD for short can put you at
increased risk of vaginal or uterine infections. If you
are prone to repeated attacks of bacterial vaginosis and
you have one fitted, try and talk to your Doctor about
other methods of contraception.
- Try cool cabbage leaves to ease the discomfort of burning
and itching. Cabbage leaves are used to treat sore nipples
and mastitis. Cabbage leaves can be placed on top of a
maxi pad to treat vaginitis. You can experience complete
relief from burning and itching within a couple of hours.
- Boost your immunity with foods rich in beta-carotene,
vitamin C and E, zinc and selenium. Cut down your alcohol
intake. An immune system that is weakened by poor nutrition
and too much stress does not have a fighting chance of
getting back to good health.
Lauretta is a Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Public Health
Practitioner with a special interest in finding natural
remedies for women's health problems. Bacterial
Vaginosis
can be cured using safe and effective natural remedies.
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