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What is BV and where does it come from?
Bacterial vaginosis is simple, it is an imbalance in the natural flora of the vagina. It is an overgrowth of the bad bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but is the most common complaint in sexually active women.
1 in 6 women will contract BV by age 25.

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Symptoms can be severe, mild or totally absent.
-Fishy foul odors
-change in amount, odor, and color of discharge
-light or spot bleeding after sex
-irritation and itchy feeling
-pain during intercourse
-yeast infections
-Tricolmoniasis- a thick frothy greenish yellow discharge. This STI affects both men and women.
These symptoms don't just go away they stay active for 12 hours to 5 days

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Its important to note that non-sexually active people can contract BV as well by the following but not limited to..

--antibiotics

--Menstruation

--Weakened immune system

--Poor Hygiene

--Laundry soap

--Change in hormones'

--Having multiple sex partners

--New sex partner

--Unprotected sex

You may be less likely to suffer BV if:

--you use contraceptive pills

--have coitus with a circumcised partner

--use condoms

--if you are male.

Women can not spread BV to men. The male penis does not have the same delicate balance of bacteria. BV does not spread like a Sexually Transmitted Infection. Because BV affects the vagina, people with a penis can't get it. However, research suggests that men can play a role in transmitting this infection to their female sexual partners, likely due to bacteria that live on the penis.

BV can make you more susceptible to

--Higher risk of getting STI's

--Raised risks of contracting HIV, Genital Herpes, Chlamydia, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and Gonorrhea.

--Infections after gynecological surgery

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BV can increase the risk of preterm labor, low birth weight in the fetus, PPROM preterm premature rupture of the membrane, uterine infection after delivery, pelvic infection, post partum endometriosis, and 2nd trimester miscarriage.
BV in pregnant women will resolve on their own, but studies show that BV is associated with these risks. It is important to be aware of your body, be honest with your Doctor, get BV diagnosed and treated!

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A visit to your PCP or Gynecologist will help diagnose and treat BV.
Clinical treatment involves a collection of vaginal discharge to check pH levels. Reoccurrence within 3 to 12 months is common, requiring additional treatment.
BV impacts the vaginal pH.
Specialist may provide specialized products.
There are natural ways to restore pH.
Consult your PCP of your options.

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BV is naturally occurring you can't avoid it, but you can
reduce the possibility of occurrences of BV by:
NO douching
NO bath oils, soaps or bubbles in excess
AVOID scented everything
AVOID washing your vulva and vagina with feminine products
USE CONDOMS