What Is Bacterial Vaginitis Otherwise Known As Bacterial Vaginosis?
Vaginitis is one of the most common reasons a woman visits her health care provider today. Yet most women go expecting to be told they have a yeast infection.
In reality the most common type of vaginitis is actually bacterial vaginosis. As its name says it is caused by a bacteria. The most common type of bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis is Gardnerella. Yeast infection called candidiasis is caused by a fungus most commonly candida albicans.
Bacterial vaginosis happens when the normal or natural balance of organisms in the vagina is upset. The normal vagina has many different types of organisms. One type commonly discussed is lactobacillus.
Lactobacillus is one of the protective bacteria in the vagina. With lactobacillus the vagina stays slightly acidic. The acidic environment makes it difficult for other potentially harmful bacteria to reproduce and grow.
One of the harmful bacteria found in your vagina is called Gardnerella. Gardnerella is an anaerobic bacteria. Simply put it doesn't need oxygen to grow.
Gardnerella is balanced with Lactobacillus. (There are other balancing organisms) But sometimes Gardenerella takes over and overgrows.
When this happens, you'll have a foul odor from your vagina. Some describe the odor as fishy. The odor becomes worse around your menstrual period and after unprotected sexual intercourse. The odor is one of the most distinctive signs of a bacterial vaginosis.
Can a man's sperm cause bacterial vaginosis?
Many women think bacterial vaginosis is caused by sperm. Semen does not cause bacterial vaginosis but it does change the balance of the vagina. The change in balance can allow the bad bacteria to grow leading to a bacterial vaginosis.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
The vaginal discharge from a bacterial vaginosis is clear to slightly grey in color. It can be light or heavy. Some women have itching or burning while other women have no symptoms at all.
