Research On Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis or BV is a condition of the vagina that often produces a fishy smelling discharge and is the result of an overgrowth of the normal bacteria found within the vagina.
Previously the condition was known as Gardnerella vaginitis, named after the bacteria which were believed to cause of the condition. Today it is most often referred to as bacterial vaginosis or just BV, reflecting the knowledge that there are numerous species of bacteria which live naturally within the vagina and that could grow in excessive amounts.
The organism Gardnerella vaginitis is not the only known culprit that can cause these symptoms. There are many others that can become unbalanced causing the above problems.
Although bacterial vaginosis isn?t dangerous, it can cause symptoms that can be disturbing. Any woman that has an unusual discharge needs to be evaluated to determine if something more serious, such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia exists.
Symptoms of BV or bacterial vaginosis usually consist of vaginal discharge and often a fishy odor. Many times these are the only symptoms. What is considered normal vaginal discharge may vary considerably from one woman to another. Accordingly, any amount of discharge which is not normal for an individual woman should get evaluated.
It is also entirely possible to have bacterial vaginosis and have no symptoms whatsoever. The discharge is normally thin and usually grayish white and is often more prevalent after having sexual intercourse. Others may experience vaginal discharge with the unpleasant fishy odor.
Presently it is thought to be a combination of many bacteria present together that causes this problem to develop. A woman with BV or bacterial vaginosis has a reduction of the normal amount of lactobacilli, which produces hydrogen peroxide in the vagina. Research to determine the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis has been difficult.
The anaerobic species of bacteria, that is bacteria that can grow without oxygen present, increases the concentration of other strains of certain bacteria. The diagnosis and treatment is not just finding and eradicating only a particular single strain of species of bacteria. This is the reason that the bacteria combine which causes the bacterial infections are unknown. No known reason has been found as to why certain bacteria combine causing BV (bacterial vaginosis).
There are several factors that are known that can increase a woman?s odds that she will develop BV or bacterial vaginosis. These can include douching, tobacco usage, and new or more than one sexual partner. It?s not totally understood why sexual activity plays a role in developing BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) since there are women that have developed symptoms and never been sexually active.
Your Doctor will ask routine questions which can help him/her distinguish whether the increased vaginal discharge is a mild or sometimes a more serious form of BV (Bacterial Vaginosis). In addition, several issues that could possibly indicate that the condition is more serious, could include pelvic pain, elevated temperature, a new or multiple sex partners, unprotected sex or having had (STDs), sexually transmitted diseases in the past.
After talking with your Doctor, a pelvic examination will likely be performed. During the exam, your doctor will check the appearance of the lining in the vagina and also the cervix. The doctor may also find the need to examine the ovaries and uterus. The cervix may be checked for any tenderness, which could also indicate the possibility of infection that is much more serious. The doctor will likely collect samples to check for the possibility of gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
It is believed that clue cells are the most reliable indication bacterial vaginosis. Microscopic examination of your vaginal discharge for signs of a clue cell can help your doctor distinguish between bacterial vaginosis, candidias and trichomonas. Additionally women that have bacterial vaginosis or BV have fewer lactobacilli, the bacteria normally found in the vagina. A vaginal pH higher than 4.5 likely indicates the likely presence bacterial vaginosis.
Lastly, your doctor may perform what is called a “whiff test” using potassium hydroxide. Placing a drop potassium hydroxide liquid in contact with a drop of a woman?s discharge with bacterial vaginosis, usually results in pronounced fishy odor.
BV in pregnant women has been reported to cause premature birth and also premature labor. It can also cause amniotic fluid infection, and possibly a uterine infection after her delivery. Routine screening or even treatment for BV while she is pregnant is still somewhat controversial. However, testing for and also treatment of BV may often be recommended if a woman has had a preterm birth before.