Bacterial Vaginosis: Commonly Mistreated as a Yeast Infection

In the United States, gynecologists attribute a leading cause of female disorders and complications to a condition known as bacterial vaginosis. For many women, bacterial vaginosis is commonly under diagnosed leading to prolonged gynecological complications and inadequate healthcare. For women suffering from vaginal discomfort, understanding the cause, origin and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can lead to a more prompt and efficient health screening and treatment process.

Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is commonly mistaken as a yeast infection by most women. While bacterial vaginosis can seemingly appear harmless, yet irritating, the long term implications are quite significant leading to infertility in some cases. For many women, when typical yeast infection symptoms appear, it is common practice to head out to a local drug store and pick up an over-the-counter yeast infection product. However, before doing so, many women are cautioned to obtain medical advice as the symptoms may be attributed to bacterial vaginosis instead.

So, what is bacterial vaginosis? Unlike the sound of its name, BV is attributed to a lack of infection. Instead, this gynecological condition is attributed to an imbalance of natural vaginal bacteria required for healthy gynecological status. When natural occuring bacteria is in an imbalance, the condition results in symptoms of odor, relatively mild itching and a thin, gray discharge. Unlike a yeast infection which produces significant itching and usually no odor. For many female patients the condition is brought about by sexual activity although the condition is not attributed to a sexually transmitted disease. Instead, it is the sexual activity which results in an abnormal balance of vaginal bacteria, leading to bacterial vaginosis.

To treat bacterial vaginosis, a gynecologist will usually recommend a strong and regular daily dose of the healthy cultures found in yogurt as these work to promote healthy vaginal bacteria. A course of antibiotics, such as Flagyl or clindamycin may also be indicated. While there is nothing on the market that will cure bacterial vaginosis with a 100 percent guarantee, these products will work to keep symptoms at bay and work to restore the healthy balance of vaginal bacteria.

When treated, the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis is quite common. While this is not an indication of anything a woman has done inappropriately in terms of health, it should not be ignored. With more than 80 percent of women suffering from a recurrence of BV, visits to the gynecologist may become quite frequent until the condition is fully resolved and vaginal bacteria is back within normal spectrums. Of important note, especially for pregnant women suffering from bacterial vaginosis, is the risk of complication to the fetus when using Flagyl. As a result, pregnant women, suffering from bacterial vaginosis, should restrict treatment to healthy doses of yogurt coupled with clindamycin.

As with any gynecological complication, women suffering from abnormal health should always seek out the advice and direction of a healthcare professional before purchasing over-the-counter products in self treatment. What may seem to be associated with a yeast infection may actually be a complication far different, requiring a different form of care under's a doctor's supervision. While the condition is not sexually transmitted, without treatment, BV can lead to complications far worse that simple vaginal discomfort.