The best way to describe the difference between bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection is by the type of vaginal discharge they cause. In a yeast infection, the vaginal discharge is usually odorless, thick and white. The discharge in BV is gray or white, thin and milky. In most cases it has an unpleasant fishy smell.
The normal the vagina contains an abundance of protective bacteria called lactobacilli. When these "good" bacteria have been removed, we'll find an overgrowth of potentially "bad" bacteria.  They are harmful and can lead to bacterial vaginosis.

Yeast infections occur when yeast in the vagina called candida albicans, becomes unbalanced. This unbalance may be caused by bad diets and antibiotics. When this yeast or fungus becomes unbalanced, the candida will commonly multiply quickly.

Scientists have found that many women are misinterpreting their symptoms. What they often assume is a yeast infection is in fact bacterial vaginosis or BV for short. In a recent survey, 44 percent of women whom doctors diagnosed with BV had initially treated themselves for a yeast infection. These two types of vaginal infections have different causes, therefore they have different treatments.

Pay close attention to any vaginal symptom, and check with your doctor if you have any doubt between these two conditions. Here are the differences in a nutshell:

-        Bacterial vaginosis has a mean fishy odor, yeast infection has no odor.
-        Bacterial vaginosis has a white or gray thin milky discharge, yeast infection has a white and think discharge.
-        Up to half of women suffering from bacterial vaginosis are affected with itching or irritation while almost all woman with yeast infection has itching or irritation.
-        The cause of bacterial vaginosis is bacteria. The cause of yeast infection is yeast.

If you suffer from B.V and not Yeast Infection keep reading; I have good news. The good news is that it's fully possible to live everyday of your life living without nasty discharges or feeling uncomfortable because you smell bad.  It doesn't have to be this way anymore.

And of course you will get this entire break through information through someone who's been there.  The woman behind this cure has cracked the code of getting rid of BV. Her cure not only works fast but it has given a lot of women permanently bacterial vaginosis relief.

Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It's actual an overgrowth of the bad bacteria that is normally found in the vagina.  Usually, when the vagina is healthy, there is a balance of good and bad bacteria.

In a healthy vagina, there is a balance of good and the bad bacteria.  When Bacterial Vaginosis occurs, the good bacteria are lessened or gone and the bad bacteria flourish.  BV is most commonly found in women who are sexually active.

The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis include fishy or musky vaginal odor, a thin white or gray discharge and irritation or itching in the vaginal area. Some minor cases of BV infections may heal without treatment. Nevertheless, if you suspect you have Bacterial Vaginosis, you must see your physician because the infection can cause more serious conditions, for example pelvic inflammatory disease.

Your physician will be able to determine if you have Bacterial Vaginosis by performing a physical examination which entails testing a swab that contains a sample of vaginal discharge. For pregnant women bacterial vaginosis treatment is especially important because the infection can cause premature delivery or low birth weight for the baby. For some pregnant women who have previously had a baby born prematurely, experts often recommend that they be tested and, if necessary, treated for Bacterial Vaginosis.

Every year, more than 800,000 pregnant women are infected with Bacterial Vaginosis in America.

If you have BV, your doctor may prescribe Metronidazole or Flagyl for you. While you're taking Metronidazole, it is important to avoid alcohol, even in small amounts because it can cause nausea and vomiting.  Because Metronidazole may interact with other medications so make sure you tell your physician about all the medications you are taking, whether prescribed or not.

Metronidazole is prescribed in oral form or as a vaginal gel. The oral form of Metronidazole is 500 mg and should be taken twice daily for seven days. The gel is applied once daily for seven days or twice daily for five days.

Lactobacillus vaginal suppositories are another treatment option. Lactobacillus is the name of the good bacteria normally found in the vagina. Studies so far have not been conclusive as to whether it actually is giving bacterial vaginosis relief or not. Clindamycin is sometimes prescribed as a cure for bacterial vaginosis.

During a bacterial vaginosis cure, it is recommended that you avoid sexual intercourse and/or if you have multiple sex partners, at least reduce the number of partners until the infection is cured. It is also recommended that you stay away from douching. It is very important that you use all of the medication your doctor has prescribed even if you feel relief before the cure is over.

by Gerd Petersen

If you have BV, you need to go through at least one of several bacterial vaginosis treatments, not just because it's symptoms but also because the risk you run for complications. The main complications are;

- Premature labor during pregnancy
- Increase risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.

The main symptoms of BV are;

- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bad fishy smell from vagina
- Itching
- Irritation and swelling of the nether areas
- Cramps in the stomach

A majority of women diagnosed with BV, don't experience the symptoms.  How is BV treated?


Do-It-Yourself BV Home Remedies

Bacterial vaginosis treatments with home remedies will vary according to the method they use to fight the infection.  

Lactic Bacteria Remedies

These remedies are based on the principle that lactobacilli - the "good bacteria", will prevent infections in vagina.  

Tea Tree Oil Remedies

These home remedies kill the bacteria, most likely by producing antiseptic and antifungal substances.

Remedies that lower the Vaginal pH Level

These home remedies are adding an acidic buffer in vagina. This will help to protect against infections like BV.

Most of the home remedies mentioned above will only lighten the symptoms without eliminating the bacteria or vaginal odor completely.


Treating BV with Antibiotics

If you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis or you suspect you have it you should always visit your doctor or gynecologist for medical advice.  The treatment these professionals most likely will give for your BV is antibiotics.  If you are treated with antibiotics, it is mandatory that you follow the prescription the doctor has given very carefully.

Should the symptoms disappear before the treatment period is over, keep taking the medication as long as the doctor has told you. Your physician or gynecologist will also inform you about the side effects antibiotics may have on your condition.

There are mainly two antibiotics that are used for treating BV;

Metronidazole  

Metronidazole is sold as oral medication or as a topical vaginal cream or gel.  Taken orally the medication can be used as a one-time treatment.  For most patients though, the treatment will take a week or so. Clinical studies have documented that the weeklong treatment is more effective that the one-time treatment. Metrodinazole is known as the most efficient antibiotic for treating bacterial vaginosis.  The drawback with this medication is side effects like

- Headaches,
- Dizziness,
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic reactions,

In the gel or cream form, vaginal yeast infection has been reported as a side effect.  If you experience any of these side effects when you are treated with antibiotics, you should consult your physician immediately

Clindamycin

Like metronidazole, clindamycin is available as oral medication and topical cream or gel.  This medication is also linked to side effects which include

- Rashes,
- Nausea,
- Diarrhea,
- Abdominal cramps

Approach your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

The good thing with antibiotics is that they kill the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. However, in 50 percent of the cases, the BV infection will recur within 12 months after an  antibiotic treatment.  In other words; antibiotics fails to give permanent bacterial vaginosis relief for a significant number of women.  

This fact has forced us to look for other bacterial vaginosis treatments.

by Gerd Petersen