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Bacterial vaginosis or BV is a condition of the vagina that often produces a fishy smelling discharge and is the result of an overgrowth of the normal bacteria found within the vagina.

Previously this condition was called Gardnerella vaginitis and which was named after bacteria which were often times believed to be the cause of this condition. Today it?s more often referred to by bacterial vaginosis or often times just called BV, reflecting on the knowledge there are quite a few species of certain bacteria that can live naturally inside the vagina but that could possibly grow in large excessive amounts.

The Gardnerella organism isn?t the only culprit that causes these symptoms. When this many species of bacteria get out of balance, a woman may have a foul odor accompanied by vaginal discharge.

Even though bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, it is disturbing when these symptoms arise. Women that have a discolored or unusual discharge should visit her Doctor, who can then determine if there is a more serious ailment such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea could exists.

Symptoms of BV or bacterial vaginosis usually consist of vaginal discharge and often a fishy odor. Many times these are the only symptoms. What is considered normal vaginal discharge may vary considerably from one woman to another. Accordingly, any amount of discharge which is not normal for an individual woman should get evaluated.

It is also possible entirely to have BV and also have no symptoms at all. Others may also experience vaginal discharge and have the unpleasant like fishy smell. The particular discharge which is normally often times thin and usually a grayish colored white but is often much more prevalent following sexual intercourse.

Some research to determine an exact cause of BV has been difficult. But, presently it is often thought to possibly be a certain combination of many certain types of bacteria present together and that causes this particular problem to develop in her vagina. A woman having BV has a particular reduction of the often normal amount of the lactobacilli, which will produce hydrogen peroxide that is in the vagina.

The anaerobic species of bacteria, that is bacteria that can grow without oxygen present, increases the concentration of other strains of certain bacteria. The diagnosis and treatment is not just finding and eradicating only a particular single strain of species of bacteria. This is the reason that the bacteria combine which causes the bacterial infections are unknown. No known reason has been found as to why certain bacteria combine causing BV (bacterial vaginosis).

There are several factors that are known that can increase a woman?s odds that she will develop BV or bacterial vaginosis. These can include douching, tobacco usage, and new or more than one sexual partner. It?s not totally understood why sexual activity plays a role in developing BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) since there are women that have developed symptoms and never been sexually active.

Your Doctor will ask routine questions which can help him/her distinguish whether the increased vaginal discharge is a mild or sometimes a more serious form of BV (Bacterial Vaginosis). In addition, several issues that could possibly indicate that the condition is more serious, could include pelvic pain, elevated temperature, a new or multiple sex partners, unprotected sex or having had (STDs), sexually transmitted diseases in the past.

In addition to the questions above, a doctor will likely perform a pelvic examination. Your doctor may also examine the uterus and ovaries. During this exam, the doctor will note the appearance in the lining of the vagina and cervix.The cervix may also be checked for tenderness, which could indicate an infection that is more serious. Your doctor may also collect samples to evaluate you for gonorrhea or Chlamydia.

Microscopically examining vaginal discharge for certain signs of ?clue cell? are beneficial in helping the doctor distinguish between candidias, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonas, which are sexually transmitted diseases. It?s thought that these clue cells can be the most reliable indicator of bacterial vaginosis. Most women that get BV (bacterial vaginosis) have much fewer lactobacilli; this is the bacteria that are normally found in your vagina. When a vaginal pH is higher than a 4.5 will likely indicate the presence of bacterial vaginosis.

Lastly, your doctor may perform what is called a “whiff test” using potassium hydroxide. Placing a drop potassium hydroxide liquid in contact with a drop of a woman?s discharge with bacterial vaginosis, usually results in pronounced fishy odor.

Bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women may cause premature birth, premature labor, amniotic fluid infection, or uterine infection after delivery. Currently routine screening of pregnant women isn?t recommended. Although, testing for and treatment of BV or bacterial vaginosis may be recommended for women who have had preterm birth in the past.