How do I know if I have BV?

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What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection. It affects one in every five women of childbearing age. What causes BV? Normal, healthy vagina generally healthy or "good" bacteria and very few harmful or "bad" bacteria. BV develops when the balance of pH and acidity of the vagina is upset. This change allows the "bad" bacteria to increase from 100 to 1000 times more than usual. At the same time, the "good" bacteria will be destroyed. Women who are sexually active are more likely to get BV. However, it is not known if BV spreads through sexual contact. You can have a better chance of getting BV, if you use douches, or if you often clean your vagina with soap or other products. Douching and frequent cleaning can wash away and destroy the good bacteria and let the "bad" bacteria take over. What are the signs and symptoms? More than half of women with BV do not know about it. If there are symptoms, they are usually mild. A thin, gray or white discharge that adheres to the vaginal walls,

unpleasant, fishy or musty odor,

burning sensation when urinating,

Sometimes vaginal itching and irritation of the vaginal

during or after sex. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID, when the reproductive system of women are infected and can include infection of the uterus, tubes, ovaries, or even inside the lower abdomen (belly). How do I know if I have BV? To know for sure, you should visit a health care services. He or she will give you a pelvic exam and look at the vaginal fluid under a microscope to check the levels of "good" and "bad" bacteria. The pH of the vagina can also be measured. When can I have sex again? If you have been treated BV you should not have sex for seven days after treatment. Is there a cure? Yes. BV can be cured with antibiotics. Your doctor will give you either metronidazole (me three n 'da zole) or clindamycin (wedge so mye' sin). If you have received a purchase strattera drug in pill form, it is taken by mouth. Either can be used with non-pregnant and pregnant women, but the dosages are different for everyone. You should not drink alcohol if you are taking metronidazole. Each drug is also available as a cream or gel. Creams and gels that are used directly in the vagina. It is important to take all medication even if symptoms disappear. This is especially important that you get treatment if you are pregnant. All pregnant women who ever had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby should be reviewed for consideration BV, regardless of symptoms, and should be considered if they have BV. If you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant, consult your doctor. In most cases, the treatment reduces the number of "bad" bacteria in the vagina. But it will not completely get rid of them. In some women, the bacteria can multiply and cause BV to come back. What about my partner (s)? Although it is unknown whether BV spreads through sex, your partner (s) should be tested for BV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This is especially important if your BV keeps coming back. How can I prevent BV? Use latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sex. This may reduce the risk of this infection again. Limit the number of sexual partners you have. Do not shower or clean up the power of the vagina with soap and water or other feminine hygiene products. These products can disrupt the normal balance of the vagina into the "good" and "bad" bacteria. If you have questions about bacterial vaginosis, or you want to know how to find a clinic near you, contact your local health department. You can also call the National STD Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO.