Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common causes of vaginal infections. To most, it is called vaginal bacteriosis. Bacterial vaginosis is not really a sexually transmitted diesease although it can often flair up arfter sex but that is usually down to a bacteria imbalance. The BV bacteria cannot live on a toilet seat, in a swimming pool or on the bedroom sheets.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance within the vagina of the naturally occuring bacteria. There naturally occuring good bacteria or lactobacillus is replaced or taken over by bad bacteria or gardnerella. Once the “bad” bacteria take over or increase, there is no way that the “good” bacteria can compensate. You will not miss the unpleasant symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, there will be a thin watery discharge that is grayish in color and that will come with a nasty odor that is musty or fishy. This discharge and odor can become more apparent during or after sexual intercourse.

Usually BV can be a problem that will go away on its own within a few days. However, if you still have the symptoms, you should be seen as soon as possible by your GYN or physician to receive the proper care and treatment as it can cause very serious problems if left untreated. Creams and gels all have there place in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis but the trouble with these are that they will only treat the symptoms of BV and not the cause, it becomes very likely that the bacterial vaginosis will return.

There are more serious complications associated with pregnancy and BV, there is a possibility of miscarriage, early or preterm delivery and other infections. Should you have a pelvic procedure scheduled, such as an abortion or hysterectomy, you are more likely than other women having those same procedures of having a pelvic infection. In addition, if you suspect you have BV, you are more likely to be exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, which includes HIV. You must get your bacterial vaginosis it can be come more than just a nuisance if left untreated.

Treatment is as simple as obtaining a prescription for an antibiotic. Popular antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis treatment includes metronidazole and Clindamycin. Both types of antibiotics come in the following forms: pills that you will swallow, an antibiotic cream or gel, which is to be rubbed on the affected areas or a capsule (ovule) that you will insert into your vagina. As i stated before this will be the first course of action you need to take and hopefully this will clear up your problem but a lot of women find that the bacterial vaginosis does come back.

BV usually clears up within two to three days with the antibiotics; however, it is essential that you continue to take the full seven-day regimen. Eveb if your BV symptoms go away you must continue the treatment until you complete the course of antibiotics that is usually 7 – 10 days. Always complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics.

The antibiotics usually work very well; however, there may be a few side effects. It is very possible that you will develop a yeast infection, and you should watch for redness, itching, and/or a lumpy, white discharge. Should you have any problems with these then get in touch with your GP as soon as possible and you will be able to get a different treatment for your Bv.

It is advisable that if you are going to use creams or gels inserted in to the vagina to abstain from sex it at all possible. Using condoms with the gels and creams causes the latex to break down and they will be ineffective all together.

Bacterial vaginosis often comes back, recurrent BV is actually very common effecting almost 1 in 3 sufferers. Women should be advised that if they find they have symptoms after the initial treatment, they would have to try either the original regimen or a very different regimen.

Find out more about the best home remedies and a great natural Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment