Vaginal odor is usually caused by inflammation of the vaginal area. This is almost always the result of an infection in or around the vagina. The most common infection that causes this fishy vaginal odor is bacterial aginosis.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition most often recognized by a fishy vaginal discharge. This is the result of 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 got its name from the bacteria thought to cause the condition.
New research found that there are several different species of bacteria that live naturally in the vaginal area. Gardnerella isn’t the only bacteria that causes all the odor. The name of this condition has been changed to bacterial vaginosis to reflect these new findings. When all the different species of bacteria get out of balance, you will notice a vaginal discharge associated with a fishy odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is not an STD. It is not transmitted by sex. It is very embarrassing and disturbing, but it is not dangerous. If you notice unusual discharge, you should have it checked to rule out chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are serious infections.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are an unpleasant 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’s a good idea to see a health professional to rule out all other conditions. Some women with bacterial vaginosis will not experience any symptoms.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Current research has determined that it is an imbalance of natural vaginal bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. The problem is that it is not possible to determine which bacteria is unbalanced. Consequently, locating harmful bacteria and eradicating them is not a solution.
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually perform a pelvic exam to rule out other, more serious problems. A sample of the discharge will be collected for examination under a microscope. Bacterial vaginosis can be distinguished from other common problems, such as yeast, with this microscopic examination.
There is a particular test that your doctor may perform called a “sniff test.” One drop of potassium hydroxide test solution is added to the discharge. The result is usually a strong fishy smell.
How is bacterial vaginosis treated?
The most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. Usually a course of treatment is successful. A small percentage of women will experience recurring 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. That is why more and more women are looking for natural herbal remedies for this problem. With antibiotics, you are trading one problem for another, more difficult problem.
Are there complications of bacterial vaginosis?
Once bacterial vaginosis is treated, the problem usually goes away. No special follow-up is necessary if the symptoms disappear. The infection is not transmitted sexually, so it is not necessary to treat sexual partners.
If you are pregnant, bacterial vaginosis can cause preterm labor, preterm delivery, infection of the amniotic fluid, and infection of the uterus. Your doctor will probably test you for bacterial vaginosis early in your pregnancy. any unusual
Discharge during pregnancy should be reported immediately to your doctor or midwife.
Is there a natural and safe remedy for bacterial vaginosis?
Enzara, a product made by Selmedica Healthcare, is a great natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis. Eliminates the need for antibiotics so you can treat your problem without having another problem.
Read more about Enzara here, http://www.allnaturalcures.net/dl/enzara.htm