What is Bacterial Vaginosis? You're probably asking yourself, "What is reoccurring bacterial vaginosis?" Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition where the normal bacteria in a woman's vagina grow at abnormal rates.
Once known as "Gardnerella", this condition can be easily confused with Chlamydia or gonorrhea.
It's best to consult your doctor at your first symptoms.
Left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
What are the Symptoms of Reoccurring Bacterial Vaginosis? Most women will experience a thin, grayish white discharge with fishy odor.
Often there is itching and burning as well.
At times though, a woman may only have minor symptoms.
There are effective pills and creams that your doctor can prescribe.
One of the most common is Flagyl.
Certain antibiotics can also be prescribed but with caution.
Antibiotics kill the good and the bad bacteria.
Being on an antibiotic for a week can cause a yeast infection and then you have a whole new set of problems.
What are the Causes? There is much discussion concerning the causes of reoccurring bacterial vaginosis.
Changing sex partners can sometimes trigger an outbreak.
Poor hygiene is also associated with infections.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop symptoms.
Also, African American women are more susceptible.
Advice on how to lower your risks range from not wearing a wet bathing suit to staying away from thongs; the truth is that there is no hard and fast data on the causes.
What are the Treatments? As stated earlier, Flagyl is often prescribed.
If you are experiencing reoccurring bacterial vaginosis though, you may not want to be on this drug off and on for the rest of your life.
You may be asking yourself, "Isn't there some natural course of action?" The first step to having a healthy vagina is, of course, to keep the area clean.
Also avoid wearing constricting underwear.
Always use a condom when having sex with a new partner.
However, if you are one of those women who suffer with reoccurring bacterial vaginosis, there are certain home remedies, which have proven effective.
Douching with a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water can be a very successful treatment.
Plus it's inexpensive.
It is, however, recommended that you use distilled water, as it has no chemicals or impurities.
Another treatment that uses hydrogen peroxide is to dip a tampon in a glass of half hydrogen peroxide and half water.
Insert this as usual.
It can be worn throughout the day with no harmful affects.
Sometimes, understanding causes and seeking alternative treatments can lead you in a whole new direction toward a healthier lifestyle.