| Fishy
Vaginal Odor | Bacterial Vaginosis |
By:
Margaret Albright |
|
Vaginal
odor is usually caused from inflammation of the
vaginal area.
This is almost always a result of infection in or
around the vagina. The
most common infection that causes this fishy vaginal
odor is bacterial vaginosis.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition
that is most often
recognized by a fishy vaginal discharge. This is a
result from an
overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. You may
have heard of
Gardnerella vaginitis. This is what this condition
used to be called.
It was named after the bacteria that was thought to
cause the condition.
New research found that there are several different
species of bacteria
that live naturally in the vaginal area. Gardnerella
is not the only bacteria
causing all the odor. The name of this condition has
been changed to
bacteria vaginosis to reflect these new findings.
When all the different species of bacteria become
imbalanced, you will
notice a vaginal discharge that is associated with a
fishy odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a STD. It is not passed by
sex. It is very
embarrassing and disturbing but it is not dangerous.
If you notice an
unusual discharge, you should have it checked so you
can rule out
chlamydia and gonorrhea which are serious infections.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are a foul, fishy
odor and a grayish
white discharge. The amount of the discharge varies so
there is no amount
that is considered "normal". There are no
other symptoms. If you have a
vaginal discharge that is abnormal for you, it is a
good idea to see a health
practitioner to rule out all other conditions. Some
women with bacterial
vaginosis will experience no symptoms at all.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Current research has determined it is an imbalance of
natural vaginal
bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. The problem
is it is not possible
to determine which bacteria is out of balance.
Consequently, locating the
offending bacteria and eradicating it is not a
solution.
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
Generally, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to
rule out other, more
serious, problems. A sample of the discharge will be
collected to examine
under a microscope. Bacterial vaginosis can be
distinguished from other
common problems, such as yeast, with this microscopic
exam.
There is a particular test your doctor can perform
called a "whiff test". A drop of potassium
hydroxide testing solution is added to the discharge.
The
result is usually a strong fishy odor.
How do you treat bacterial vaginosis?
The most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis is
antibiotics. Usually, one
course of treatment is successful. A small percentage
of women will experience recurrent symptoms within a
month. Consequently, a second course of antibiotics
will be prescribed.
As women, we know that taking antibiotics to cure this
problem will almost
absolutely cause another problem, yeast infection.
This is why more and more women are seeking natural,
herbal remedies for this problem. With the
antibiotics, you are trading one problem for another,
more difficult, problem.
Are there complications of bacterial vaginosis?
Once bacterial vaginosis is treated, the problem is
usually over. No special
follow-up is necessary if the symptoms disappear. The
infection is not
transmitted sexually so sexual partners need not be
treated.
If you are pregnant, bacterial vaginosis can cause
premature labor, premature birth, infection of the
amniotic fluid, and infection of the uterus. You
doctor will probably test for bacterial vaginosis
early in your pregnancy. Any unusual discharge during
pregnancy should be reported immediately to your
doctor or mid-wife.
Is there a safe, natural remedy for bacterial
vaginosis?
Enzara, a product manufactured by Selmedica
Healthcare, is a great natural remedy for bacterial
vaginosis. It eliminates the need for antibiotics so
you can treat your problem without getting another
problem.
Read more about Enzara here, http://www.allnaturalcures.net/dl/enzara.htm
About this author: Margaret Albright is a student of
Naturopathy and an editor for the website All Natural
Cures | Home Remedies and More
(http://www.allnaturalcures.net)
- All safe, natural cures and home remedies.
Copyright 2005 ~ AllNaturalCures.net ~ All Rights
Reserved
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