bacterial vaginosis?

Tiare
#1. March 2nd, 2010, at 11:26 AM.

BV is not an STD, virgins can definitely get this infection.
Print out the stuff you found on the internet and show your mom, tell her that you think you may have it and ask her to take you to the doctor. at least if you take the time to educate your mom, she wont go jumping to unnecessary conclusions about how you developed a very very common vaginal problem

RG
#2. March 2nd, 2010, at 11:26 AM.

Hi there – I know you’re embarrassed but health professionals are used to this and are non-judgmental. As a female, we are subject to these uncomfortable examinations but they are very important. I don’t know how old you are, but yes they probably will have to look and touch "down there". But as I said earlier, they are used to that. A good doctor should explain everything to you including what’s involved in the exam. You shouldn’t be afraid to tell your mom (unless she’s abusive) or perhaps an Aunt or close adult female because it would be supportive to have someone go with you. Women get many bacterial infections even if we aren’t sexually active – and I’m sure your mom knows that. Don’t underestimate her. It’s ok to be scared. I’m 52 and I still get nervous . Routine exams and pap smears are necessary to prevent cancer & other deadly and uncomfortable diseases – so as a woman you’ll have to get used to it. I hope I helped you.

wood_slasher
#3. March 2nd, 2010, at 11:26 AM.

bv is caused by an imbalance of the natural flora caused by periods, sex, meds, or even douching ,so there is nothing to be embarrassed about .

arnie
#4. March 2nd, 2010, at 11:26 AM.

Bacterial Vaginosis is a very big word with even scarrier results if left untreated…
my niece lost her first born son due to BV.
She was educated to the fact the the Playtex Pearl Tampons were the catalyst to her problem
if you use tampons, i suggest you look at the brand you use, and why do you think you have vaginosis…you may have a yeast infection,,,,
yes, im afraid they have to look at you down there to determine the problem, unfoortunately they cant look in your eyes and see, but they cant force you to do anything you dont want to do,,,,
Make your decision,,,go to the Dr. and Saddle Up

spongebobrogers
#5. March 2nd, 2010, at 11:26 AM.

Bacterial vaginosis can be caused by soaps, especially antibacterial soaps. Try not to scrub that area with soap. Mainly just use water and sensitive skin soap like Dove if necessary. It may clear on its own if you tame down the scrubbing. Also can be caused by not wiping properly. Be sure and wipe front to back. Sorry if TMI. They test for this by taking a swab and looking at it under a microscope usually. Meds are not necessary until things are really bothing you. Try to also wear breathable cotton underwear. Change underwear after workouts.

Lekia O
#6. March 2nd, 2010, at 11:26 AM.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.

The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful" bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.

Not much is known about how women get BV. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:
Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners,
Douching

A vaginal yeast infection is irritation of the vagina and the area around the vagina, called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast Candida. Yeast normally live in the vagina in small numbers, but when the bacteria in the vagina become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection.

Vaginal yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have a yeast infection during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more yeast infections.

The most common symptom of a yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other symptoms include:

Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the area around it
Pain when urinating
Pain or discomfort during sex
A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not have a bad smell
You may only have a few of these symptoms and they may be mild or severe.