How to Treat Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis

Approximately 35 percent of all women will experience a form of bacterial vaginosis at some point. Unfortunately, it isn't likely to be a single case of the disease either, because once it makes an appearance, it is highly likely to reappear. The disease occurs because of changes to the acid environment of a woman's vagina. It most often occurs when women use highly scented soaps, douches and bubble baths; use an IUD or the coil; or because of certain types of sexual acts. It can also happen when the pH level of the vagina alters during the menstrual cycle. But it can also happen without any of these factors in place. It is, after all, the most common form of ordoress bacterial discharge.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Over-the-counter vaginal creams or gels that treat vaginosis
• List of local gynecologists
• Antibiotics
• Condoms

How to Treat Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis

1. Determine if chronic bacterial vaginosis is an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms typically include a thin, white coating that may be present on the vaginal walls during a pelvic exam; a fishy odor that originates from the vaginal area; a thin to moderately thick white discharge from the vaginal area; and a burning or itchy feeling around the female genitalia. It is not necessary to have all of these symptoms in order to have chronic bacterial vaginosis. In fact, some women may be diagnosed with the condition without exhibiting any of the symptoms noted.

2. Determine if the condition is something that you want to treat on your own with over-the-counter vaginal creams or gels or if it is something that you want to have treated right away. The truth is that some women, even those who do experience the symptoms, deal with the condition with over-the-counter products without antibiotic treatment. A word of caution, however--the Center for Disease Control recommends that all women receive some form of treatment for the condition because there is some evidence that chronic bacterial vaginosis could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.

3. Stop douching. If this is something that you normally do, cease from the practice at least until you have met with your physician to ascertain if douching might be responsible for the condition.

4. Consider a different form of birth control if you use an IUD or the coil as these implements could be responsible for your condition. A physician should be able to assist you in choosing an alternative form of birth control that will not easily support bacterial vaginosis.

5. Cease using vaginal lubricants or oils as these may be responsible for the change in the pH balance of the vaginal area.

6. Use condoms during sex. Research indicates that chronic bacterial vaginosis is more common among women who typically do not use condoms. There is some indication that the unusual chemical conversion caused by the addition of sperm into the vaginal area could be at least partly responsible for changing the acidity of the area.

7. Make an appointment with a gynecologist if you can't or don't want to live with the condition. She may recommend either a treatment gel or cream or an antibiotic geared toward improving or even curing the condition. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant will likely be treated with an oral antibiotic. Others may be allowed to have some input into their treatment preference. Common drugs used include metronidazole or clindamycin.

Tips & Warnings

• Women, especially pregnant women, should be screened for bacterial vaginosis on a regular basis.
• Doctors may prescribe drugs for women who are not exhibiting symptoms of bacterial vaginosis but who have it or are highly likely to contract it due to the condition of their vaginal area.
• Other vaginal infections that might result from an endometrial biopsy, a vaginal abortion or hysterectomy, or uterine curettage may also lead to bacterial vaginosis.
• In most instances, sexual partners do not require treatment due to the presence of bacterial vaginosis.
• Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should never ignore bacterial vaginosis.
• If you feel you must douche, avoid scented or perfurmed products and stick with those that are the most natural.
• Avoid sex during treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
• Ask your partner to wear a condom whenever possible to avoid catching of a case of bacterial vaginosis.

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[johnrmcnaughton]

on 1/15/2010 All the symptoms that you listed, except fishy odor, are for a yeast infection.