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.

The condition was previously known by Gardnerella vaginitis, which was named from bacteria which was believed to be the main cause of this condition. In today?s society, it is mainly referred by as bacterial vaginosis, but by most as just BV. There are numerous types of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina and can get way out of balance and grow in greatly excessive amounts. When this happens, the vagina may have a very foul smelling odor and also a heavy vaginal discharge.

The organism Gardnerella vaginitis is not the only known culprit that can cause these symptoms. There are many others that can become unbalanced causing the above problems.

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.

The symptoms of or BV (bacterial vaginosis) mainly consist of a thin vaginal discharge and usually a very strong fishy smell. Often, these will be the only symptoms. Symptoms may vary considerably, so what may be considered normal for one woman, may be different for the next. Any change in the amount of discharge that is not normal should be evaluated by her Doctor to determine the cause.

Having Bacterial Vaginosis with no symptoms whatsoever is also very entirely possible. Some women may experience a vaginal discharge with a very unpleasant fishy smell. The discharge itself is usually a grayish white and normally thin and is sometimes more prevalent after sexual intercourse.

Presently it is thought to be a combination of many bacteria present together that causes this problem to develop. A woman with BV or bacterial vaginosis has a reduction of the normal amount of lactobacilli, which produces hydrogen peroxide in the vagina. Research to determine the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis has been difficult.

At the same time an increased concentration of some other strains of bacteria, especially the anaerobic type bacteria which is bacteria that grow without the presence of oxygen. Accordingly the diagnosis/treatment it is not simply finding and killing only a single strain of bacteria. The reason the bacteria combine causing the bacterial infection is unknown.

There are quite a few factors known that will increase the odds a woman might develop BV. They often include having anew and maybe several sex partners, frequent douching, even tobacco and cigarette smoking. However, without totally understanding the certain role sexual activity can play in developing BV. There are certain women who have been celibate for life and still develop BV.

After reporting increased vaginal discharge to her doctor he/she will likely ask a routine series of questions which will help to distinguish between mild or more serious conditions. In addition issues that could indicate a condition that is more serious include an elevated temperature, pelvic pain, a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse or having had sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 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.

Another test the Doctor may perform is called the Whiff Test. By placing a drop of potassium hydroxide liquid along with a small amount of the woman?s discharge with BV (Bacterial Vaginosis), the result is a pronounced fishy smelling odor.

BV in pregnant women has been reported to cause premature birth and also premature labor. It can also cause amniotic fluid infection, and possibly a uterine infection after her delivery. Routine screening or even treatment for BV while she is pregnant is still somewhat controversial. However, testing for and also treatment of BV may often be recommended if a woman has had a preterm birth before.