Bacterial Vaginosis

 

Roughly 21.2 million women between the ages of 14–49 suffer from bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, according to the CDC. BV is the overgrowth of bacteria inside the vagina. BV is treatable but can risk a female’s chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease.

How do you get BV?

It is unknown what causes females to get BV, but it is known that it occurs mostly in sexually active women. The vagina has a mix of bad and good bacteria and BV is the result of an overgrowth of a certain bacterium over another. When there is an imbalance of bacteria this can cause BV.

BV affects mostly sexually active women, that do not use condoms and have multiple sexual partners. Since BV is the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina women who do not use protection are at greater risk of getting an STD.

Unlike other infections, you cannot get BV from wearing tight clothing or swimming.

Symptoms of BV:

· Vaginal itching

· Burning during urination

· Thin, gray, white, or green discharge

· Fishy odor

How to treat BV:

To treat BV is best to see your doctor. If left untreated you are increasing your chance of getting an STD. If you have symptoms of BV, you should contact your doctor and they can prescribe you medications such as:

· Metronidazole

· Clindamycin

· Tinidazole

· Secnidazole

In- Conclusion:

Though BV is not a sexually transmitted disease it is linked to sexual activity and can increase your risks of getting an STD. To avoid getting BV to avoid douching, sleeping with multiple partners, and always you protection during sex.

At Stetho Health Systems we want to educate women on vaginal health and hygiene and with BV 84% of the 21.2 million women that suffer from BV have no symptoms. This means women are living their day-to-day life without knowing they have BV and are letting it go untreated. If there is any change in your vaginal health contact your doctor for more help and get answers to any questions you may have.