Bv stands for bacterial vaginosis. This is an irritating infection that strikes many healthy women. In this article, you will learn precisely what BV is and what you can do about it.

In a normal vaginal canal, there exists a balance of acids and bases, and this is called the pH. However once in awhile the naturally occurring balance of pH is disrupted and becomes acidic. This can cause an overgrowth of bacteria that normally grow throughout the canal. This imbalance, where bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria can result in BV. Years ago, this predicament was thought to be caused by the Gardnerella bacteria. But actually, there are seemingly a variety of different types of bacteria that may be responsible for the infection. Also, the scientific community is not completely clear on why this condition develops.

So just who can get this infection? By reading the data, practically any woman is at risk. BV is actually the most common vaginal infection in women. Some studies cite that over 25% of American women are affected. Over 15% of pregnant women have the disease, and nearly 60% of women who already have a sexually transmitted disease are also affected with bacterial vaginosis. BV does seem to be more frequently seen in sexually active females, but it must be noted that the infection has also been found in females who are not sexually active at all.

There are some unpleasant risks associated with the acquiring the infection and these are important to note. By having BV, a woman is more susceptible to getting HIV if she is in fact exposed to the HIV virus. Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are at a higher risk for some complications such as giving birth prematurely or having a low birth weight baby. And while BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (std), it does increase a sexually active woman's chances of contracting an std, including herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

The symptom of BV vary from person to person, and some carriers exhibit absolutely no symptoms whatsoeverat all. Most signs and symptoms of this condition are unpleasant. The most characteristic symptoms are a fishy vaginal odor and a whitish grey discharge. This discharge covers the interior vaginal wall and therefore the woman will see more discharge and smell after sex. Other symptoms which are less common include itchiness to the vulvar area, and burning upon urination. The discharge and odor can cause a woman to feel embarrassed and unclean, even after bathing.

A doctor can diagnose BV by culturing a small sample of the vaginal secretions under a microscope. Medical treatment usually consists of taking prescription antibiotics such as Metrogel, Flagyl,Cleocin, or Tindamax. Some of the antibiotics taken orally can cause gastric upset and also other unpleasant side effects. Unfortunately, and for reasons not well understood, even after successfully taking antibiotics, bacterial vaginosis can reoccur.

Some woman are reluctant or unable to go to a doctor for treatment, and others have persistent recurring BV. For these women, it's nice to know that there are natural treatments readily available. These remedies include ingredients that are inexpensive and readily available to all, either from the local drug store or already on hand in your medicine cabinet. Best of all, there are no unpleasant side effects to these natural treatments, and they are quick, safe, and effective.