What is bacterial vaginosis?  - Bacterial vaginosis (BV) takes place  when the normal numbers of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and there is proliferation of some of these bacteria. Studies indicate that a woman with bacterial vaginosis more likely to contract various other diseases of the genital tract including risking being vulnerable to the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV that can later cause the dreaded cancer of the cervix. The diagnosis and treatment are therefore important.

How does contract is bacterial vaginosis?  Bacterial vaginosis occurs when certain types of bacteria normally found in the vagina begin to multiply in abundance. We do not yet know exactly why this change occurs, although it has identified risk factors. Bacterial vaginosis is not transmitted during sexual intercourse.

What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?
Douching, use of feminine hygiene products (such as bombs and towels vaginal) and bubble baths can cause the VB. Although VB is not an STD, it is possible that sex without a condom the causes or worsens because of the effect of semen on bacteria in the vagina. It seems that having an STD increases the risk of VB up to 64% of women with STDs are also suffering from VB, compared to 10 to 20% of all women.

How can people protect themselves against bacterial vaginosis?  To reduce the risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis:
* Avoid douching and using other feminine hygiene products.
* Use condoms during sex.
* Clean the reusable contraceptives (such as diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide applicators) after each use.

What are some symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? Some women show no symptoms. When symptoms exist, they include:
* Abnormal vaginal discharge has an unpleasant odor;
* Itching or vaginal irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis can it cause other health problems? Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of a woman to contract other diseases of the genital tract, including:
* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in the presence of chlamydia or
gonorrhea;
* Infection after vaginal surgery or abortion.

What is the effect of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy?  Bacterial vaginosis is associated with labor and preterm delivery in pregnant women and underweight at birth in the newborn.

How does diagnosis is bacterial vaginosis? The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis the most commonly established by examining the vaginal discharge to assess the acidity, odor and microscopic characteristics.

Is there a cure for bacterial vaginosis?  Bacterial vaginosis is easily treated with antibiotics, usually a drug called metronidazole (Flagyl). This drug causes side effects such as mild nausea, vomiting and a metallic taste.However, for the treatment to act, it is important to take medications as prescribed. The remedy also causes a bad reaction when taking alcohol, drink only 24 hours after treatment. Do not use the drug in early pregnancy. We do not routinely treating male partners of women with VB because it did not affect the healing of disease or the possibility of reinfection.