What Are The Effects Of BV?

Bacterial vaginitis can also be referred to bacterial vaginosis or BV. BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria (such as the Gardnerella bacteria.) . Unfortunately, many women are under the impression that yeast infections are the most common vaginal infections - this is not true. Bacterial vaginitis is the most common and can affect anywhere up to 64% of the women at any time. This is estimated because many women can have bacterial vaginitis with few or no symptoms present, and be completely unaware that they even have the infection. BV can have some effects on your health if left untreated.

What are the effects of BV?

If bacterial vaginitis is not properly treated the first time, it may recur multiple times. Unfortunately, recurrence of this infection can lead to more serious issues. Issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can occur which is an inflammation of the lining in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other parts of the women's reproductive system. After prolonged periods of time, PID will make a woman become sterile. It also accounts for a large portion of ectopic pregnancies that occur each year. Having bacterial vaginitis can also force a preterm birth during pregnancy, or cause birth weight which is not normal.

In addition to pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginitis can result in a woman being more vulnerable to an HIV infection. Due to the higher levels of "bad" bacteria during an episode of BV, women are also more susceptible to other sexually transmitted diseases (or STDs) such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes.

Prevention of BV

Actually, BV can be prevented effectively. Women who use douches on a regular basis are more susceptible to the infection because douching upsets the balance of bacteria and other natural organisms in the vagina. Women are advised in general not to douche. While it is healthy for your vagina for it to be kept clean, it is unhealthy to douche. A mild soap can be used on the outer area and the outer area should also be dried thoroughly after bathing. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria!

Many women should avoid scented tampons, pads or other scented personal hygiene products if they are experiencing a vaginal infection because perfumes will irritate the vagina further and create discomfort.

Women who have multiple sex partners over shorter periods of time are at a higher risk of causing an infection than those who abstain from sex or have one sex partner for a long period of time.

If you are experiencing a recurrent BV, the herbal medicine Fuyan Pill can help you. Many patients have recovered after taking Fuyan Pill for several weeks and don’t suffer the symptoms of BV again.

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