Loading ...What is Bacterial Vaginosis and How Does it Differ From a Yeast Infection?
Bacterial Vaginosis (vaginitis) is a vaginal infection containing several germ strains that can cause other vaginal infections. Many women are convinced that yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal infection, but bacterial vaginosis is indeed the most frequent vaginal infection, affecting 10 percent to 60 percent of the female population during any time. It is commonly called “BV” and occurs most during the reproductive years, even though women of all ages are susceptible to this infection. Bacterial Vaginosis is not categorized as a sexually transmitted disease, due to the overwhelming number of young virginal women who have it.
A yeast infection, however, is a fungus that thrives in the vagina. Having a vaginal yeast infection means yeast cells outnumber normal vaginal cells carrying “good bacteria.” Yeast infections are very common.
BV Symptoms vs. Yeast Infection Symptoms
(BV)Thin, gray, fishy vaginal discharge
(BV) Malodorus vaginal odor
(Yeast Infection) Thick, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
(Yeast Infection) Yeasty-smelling vagina
Bacterial Vaginosis – The Most Common Vaginal Infection, Yet the most Misdiagnosed
In a recent scientific study, results showed that:
- The organism Gardnerella vaginalis was detected by PCR in 96% of subject with BV and in 70% without BV.
- Gardnerella vaginalis was reported to occur in up to 100% of women with signs and symptoms of BV
- Gardnerella vaginalis was isolated in up to 80% of the urethras of male sexual partners of women with BV
- “clue cells” were found in 90% of BV patients (pH > 4.5)
- BV affects 1 in 3 women of reproductive age
- Up to 16% of pregnant women have BV, with 6% being Asian, 9% being white, 16% being Hispanic and 23% being African American
Bacterial Vaginosis Infections are More Prevalent in Women Who:
- Have a new male sexual partner
- Engage in sexual acts with another woman
- African American in descent
- Are of the reproductive age
- Practice unprotected sex
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Wear thong panties consistently
- Use scented toilet paper, sanitary napkins or tampons
Where Does Bacterial Vaginosis Come From? What Causes it?
Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and an organism called Gardnerella. This overgrowth causes vaginal odor and even fishy smelling discharge from the vagina. Even though the vagina includes a small amount of these particular bacteria and organisms normally, when the vaginal balance is disrupted by the overgrowth of either of these, then the “good bacteria” is unable to perform its normal duties adequately. Good bacteria help to disinfect the vagina, providing and maintaining a normal balance of vaginal microorganisms, thus preventing any vaginal odor or fishy vaginal discharge.
E.coli, a normal inhabitant of the rectum, can also cause bv if it is spread to the vaginal area (i.e. by wiping from back to front when using the restroom). Other factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Hot weather (inducing sweat in the vaginal area)
- Poor hygiene/health
- IUD device usage
- Improper douching
How Do I Know if I Have BV?
You can pretty much conclude you have bacterial vaginosis if you possess any of the following symptoms:
- Fishy vaginal odor/fishy vaginal discharge
- Grayish colored vaginal discharge
- Excessive vaginal discharge with pungent odor
Bacterial Vaginosis is a very tricky condition if you aren’t familiar with its many origins of “attack.” To learn more about your vagina and other hidden symptoms that you are suffering from but are undetected to the untrained eye, click below.