Bacterial Vaginosis Information|health Tips For Women Blog
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also called:
+Gardnerella-associated vaginitis
+nonspecific vaginitis
It is one of the most common causes of vaginitis symptoms among women, particularly those who are sexually active, producing painful inflammation of the vagina.
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Symptoms
Although more than 50% of women withBacterial Vaginosis (BV) have no symptoms, when symptoms do occur they include:
+excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge that sticks to the vaginal walls
+fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex
+vaginal itching and irritation
Transmission
The risk of acquiring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is increased by:
+changing sexual partners
+douching
+using intrauterine devices (IUDs)
The infection can not be spread from person to person by casual contact, such as:
+clothing
+door knobs
+eating utensils
+swimming pools
+toilet seats
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by:
Physical Examination
observation made with the naked eye and nose
undergoing a pelvic examination
Laboratory Tests
A sample of the vaginal discharge is obtained and viewed under the microscope, either stained or in special lighting, to determine:
Absence of lactobacilli
Change in pH of vaginal fluid
Decreased acidity
If the vaginal cells have the classic appearance of clue cells, cells from the vaginal lining that are coated withBacterial Vaginosis (BV) organisms, which appear inBacterial Vaginosis (BV)
The presence of Gardnerella bacteria to confirm by microscopic examination
As an added confirmation
The sample is mixed with potassium hydroxide and produces a strong fishy odor when the bacteria is present
Treatment
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be difficult to cure using either conventional or alternative treatments.
Conventional Treatment
Although it is uncertain if Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is sexually transmitted treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent re-infection
The usual treatment is antibiotics, taken orally or vaginally, including:
Ampicillin
Ceftriaxone
Clindamycin,
Metronidazole
Tetracycline
Naturopathic Treatment
Abstaining from sexual activity while the bacterial imbalance/infection is healing
Direct applications of local, anti-microbial products
Support the immune system and its ability to fight the infection and balance the vaginal system
Dietary Recommendations
Include in your diet:
flax seed (Linseed) meal and oil
fresh vegetables and fruits
grains
meats, including fish, poultry
plenty of fresh water
Use foods that have been raised without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides wherever possible.
Avoid:
alcohol
coffee
fast foods
processed foods
refined flour products (bread, pasta, etc.)
saturated fats from animal products
sugar
Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin C (1,000 mg three times daily with meals)
Zinc (30 mg daily)
Proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase effectiveness of the medication.
These include:
Bromelain (400mg)
Wobenzme N (5 tablets three times a day away from meals)
Herbal Therapeutics
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) vaginal suppositories
Goldenseal/Vitamin A vaginal suppository twice daily
Homeopathic Therapeutics
Aspergillus
Candida
Notatum
Other Treatments
Warm sitz baths with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Vaginal douching using:
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aqjuifolium)
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment-FromHealth Tips For Women Blog