BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)

•        What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) results from overgrowth of one of several organisms that are normally present in the vagina, upsetting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria. More than one in six women in the United States has bacterial vaginosis, though many aren't aware of having it.

•        How is bacterial vaginosis contracted? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) results from an overgrowth of organisms that are normally present in the vagina. Usually, "good" bacteria outnumber "bad" bacteria in your vagina. But if bad bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance and bacterial vaginosis results. This type of vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis) can spread during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs in people who aren't sexually active. Women with new or multiple sex partners, as well as women who douche or use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis.

•        Bacterial vaginosis incubation period: Anywhere from 12 hours to five days

•        Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis: You may develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The odor, often described as fish-like, may be more obvious after sexual intercourse.

•        Testing for bacterial vaginosis: Your doctor may take a sample of a cervical or vaginal discharge for laboratory analysis

•        Treatment of bacterial vaginosis: Antibiotics - Metronidazole 500mg 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days.

•        If you are not treated: Bacterial vaginosis is usually not serious. In some cases, however, it can cause infections in the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is important to treat bacterial vaginosis, especially before having an IUD inserted, an abortion, or tests done on the uterine lining. Both trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis have been linked to an increased risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases.