Having BV increases the likelihood that ...

Bacterial vaginosis what is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, and is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning. What is bacterial vaginosis? The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are commonly found in the woman's vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly good bacteria and less harmful bacteria. BV develops when there is a change in the vaginal environment, which leads to an increase in harmful bacteria. How do women get bacterial vaginosis? Not much is known about how women get BV. Women who have a new sexual partner or who had multiple sexual partners, more likely to develop BV. Women who have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected. It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV, and there are many questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Women do not get BV from toilet, bedding, swimming pools or from touching objects around them. How common is bacterial vaginosis? Scientific studies suggest that BV in women of reproductive age. In the United States, at least 16% of pregnant women have BV. BV, as a rule, are more common in women attending STD clinics than in the present family planning and antenatal clinics. What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? Women with VWD are often abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish odor, especially after sexual intercourse. Discharge is usually white or gray, it can be subtle. Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms. How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? Health care providers should consider vaginal symptoms BV (eg, discharge) and perform laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal discharge to look for bacteria associated with BV. Who is at risk of bacterial vaginosis? Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk:

Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception. Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications of BV. What are the complications of bacterial vaginosis? In most cases, BV causes no complications. But there are serious risks associated with BV:

pregnant women with BV more often have babies who are born early or with low birth weight. The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes infect the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (egg canals). This type of infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes enough to increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. BV can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the virus. Having BV increases the likelihood that HIV-infected woman can pass HIV to their sexual partner. BV may increase the susceptibility of women of other STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Who should treat bacterial vaginosis? Although BV is sometimes clear without treatment, all women diagnosed with BV should be considered to avoid complications such as PID. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. All pregnant women, regardless of symptoms that have ever been premature birth or low birth weight baby should be reviewed for consideration BV and treated if necessary. All pregnant women who have symptoms of BV should be checked and processed. Male partners, generally do not require treatment. However, BP can be spread between female sex partners. What is the treatment of bacterial vaginosis? BV is treatable with antimicrobial medicines prescribed by your doctor. Two different drugs recommended for treatment of BV: metronidazole or clindamycin. Either can be used with non-pregnant or pregnant strattera price women, but the recommended dosages differ. Women with BV who are HIV-positive should receive the same treatment as HIV-negative. BV can recur after treatment. How can bacterial vaginosis be prevented? BV is not fully understood by scientists, and the best way to prevent it are unknown. However, we know enough to show that BV is associated with the presence of a new sexual partner or having multiple sexual partners. It is rare in women who have never had intercourse. Not having sex is the best protection against the acquisition of BV and other STDs. Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you security. Use latex condoms consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of BV and other STDs. Limit the number of sexual partners. Do not shower. Use all medications prescribed to treat BV, even if symptoms disappear. Where can I get more information? CDC-INFO Hotline (24 hours, 7 days a week)

English, en Espaol

PO Box 6003

Rockville, MD 20849-6003

E-mail: PO Box 13 827

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3827.