Vaginal odor is usually caused from inflammation of the vaginal area.
This is almost always a result of infection in or around the vagina. The
most common infection that causes this fishy vaginal odor is bacterial
vaginosis.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is most often
recognized by a fishy vaginal discharge. This is a result from an
overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. You may have heard of
Gardnerella vaginitis. This is what this condition used to be called.
It was named after the bacteria that was thought to cause the condition.
New research found that there are several different species of bacteria
that live naturally in the vaginal area. Gardnerella is not the only bacteria
causing all the odor. The name of this condition has been changed to
bacteria vaginosis to reflect these new findings.
When all the different species of bacteria become imbalanced, you will
notice a vaginal discharge that is associated with a fishy odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a STD. It is not passed by sex. It is very
embarrassing and disturbing but it is not dangerous. If you notice an
unusual discharge, you should have it checked so you can rule out
chlamydia and gonorrhea which are serious infections.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are a foul, fishy odor and a grayish
white discharge. The amount of the discharge varies so there is no amount
that is considered “normal”. There are no other symptoms. If you have a
vaginal discharge that is abnormal for you, it is a good idea to see a health
practitioner to rule out all other conditions. Some women with bacterial
vaginosis will experience no symptoms at all.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Current research has determined it is an imbalance of natural vaginal
bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. The problem is it is not possible
to determine which bacteria is out of balance. Consequently, locating the
offending bacteria and eradicating it is not a solution.
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
Generally, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to rule out other, more
serious, problems. A sample of the discharge will be collected to examine
under a microscope. Bacterial vaginosis can be distinguished from other
common problems, such as yeast, with this microscopic exam.
There is a particular test your doctor can perform called a “whiff test”. A drop
of potassium hydroxide testing solution is added to the discharge. The
result is usually a strong fishy odor.
How do you treat bacterial vaginosis?
The most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. Usually, one
course of treatment is successful. A small percentage of women will experience
recurrent symptoms within a month. Consequently, a second course of antibiotics
will be prescribed.
As women, we know that taking antibiotics to cure this problem will almost
absolutely cause another problem, yeast infection. This is why more and more
women are seeking natural, herbal remedies for this problem. With the antibiotics,
you are trading one problem for another, more difficult, problem.
Are there complications of bacterial vaginosis?
Once bacterial vaginosis is treated, the problem is usually over. No special
follow-up is necessary if the symptoms disappear. The infection is not
transmitted sexually so sexual partners need not be treated.
If you are pregnant, bacterial vaginosis can cause premature labor, premature
birth, infection of the amniotic fluid, and infection of the uterus. You doctor will
probably test for bacterial vaginosis early in your pregnancy. Any unusual
discharge during pregnancy should be reported immediately to your doctor
or mid-wife.
Is there a safe, natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis?
Enzara, a product manufactured by Selmedica Healthcare is a very good,
natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis. It eliminates the need for antibiotics
so you can treat your problem without getting another problem.
Read more about Enzara here, http://www.allnaturalcures.net/dl/enzara.htm
