Vaginal bacteriosis, or bacterial vaginosis (BV) as it is frequently referred to, is not an infection but can lead to one. Rather, it is an alteration and imbalance of the normal and healthy bacterial make up of the vagina. It can be characterized (though not all women experience symptoms) most frequently by vaginal discharge and a fishy odor, while some women experience more severe symptoms such as irritation, itching, and even cramping.

What are the causes of vaginal bacteriosis?A healthy vagina contains various types of healthy bacteria, including theLactobacillusspecies - a bacteria that likes oxygen-rich environments. When there is a serious enough reduction of these healthy bacteria, certain other types of bacteria, which are normally present but not predominant in the vagina, become more active and begin to multiply. These other types of bacteria, which prefer and oxgen-depleted environment, include Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, and Mobiluncas to name a few.

What causes the reduction of the healthy bacteria?Here are several things that may lead to a reduction of the healthy bacteria, and are potentially causes of bacterial vaginosis:

• Multiple sex partners (although it can occur in women who are not sexually active)




• Female sex partners




• Use of an IUD (interuterine device) for birth control




• Not using a condom




• Use of a douche




• Smoking

There may be other variables and factors which facilitate the onset of vaginal bacteriosis, but these are the generally acknowledged ones. Also, as of now there is no consensus as to why these things potentially lead to vaginosis, but it is assumed that it possibly has something to do with an increased pH level inside the vagina.

Are there further complications once BV has developed?

Untreated, it can increase the risk of a miscarriage and/or preterm labor if pregnant. It can lead to a pelvic or reproductive tract infection if you have BV while undergoing some type of serious pelvic or vaginal procedure - a type of infection that has been linked to PID. Also, if you have BV and are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, you are at greater risk of getting that disease, including HIV.

Other bacterial vaginosis facts: In 25% of women who get BV it goes away on its own, as the healthy bacteria increases by itself. It often times recurs in women who have already been treated with antibiotics, leaving many women frustrated and embarrassed by their ongoing condition. Many of these women are left to search for help outside of conventional medicine.