Bacterial vaginosis (BV) also called vaginal bacteriosis is the most common vaginal infection in women. Even a virgin can have it. The specific cause of this infection is unknown. The most widely accepted theory behind its cause is imbalance level of the bacterial in the vagina.
Bacteria implicated in this infection are: Gardnerella, Lactobaccilus, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium.
It is called vaginosis because it does not affect men. However, female homosexuals can transmit it to one another.
It is characterized by:
1. Vaginal discharge that is greenish, cloudy, bloody, or yellowish.
2. Fishy vagina odour
3. Vagina pain and burning
It does not usually cause itching. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) can occur before, during and after menstruation.
In pregnancy, it can cause preterm delivery.
The following factors make you at risk of having BV-
1. New or multiple sexual partner
2. Smoking cigarette
3. Recent antibiotics
4. Use of Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs)
You cannot contract BV from toilet seats or swimming pool.
How to test for BV
When a drop of potassium hydroxide (KOH) testing liquid used in the “whiff test” contacts a drop of the discharge from a woman with bacterial vaginosis, a certain fishy odor can result.
TREATMENT
The only treatment available for bacterial vaginosis is ANTIBIOTICS.
Dr. Adeyemo Olusola is a medical graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria along with certificate in advanced diploma in Principles of Nutrition, Management and Leadership, Dublin and Certificate in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition to his numerous certifications, he is a certified Telemedicine Physician from Harvard Medical School, USA. He is an avid reader of books from different oases of life, expert in data analysis. “So many a time, I have seen people die avoidable death because of lack of knowledge or information, falling victim of fate. There is then a necessity laid on us to help arm our society to the teeth, as a healthy society cannot be detached from an informed one. Hence, there is need for healthgist.net. We hope you will have a wonderful stay on our website.”
