The condition bacterial vaginosis is defined by an imbalance of bacteria present in the vagina. On average around one in three women will experience a bout of BV in their life time. Because of the rather embarrassing characteristic of this condition some women find it too shameful to seek treatment. But as with any noticeable differences encountered from what is considered the norm, as far as health issues go, it is far better to see medical advice that allow things to the progress into something worse or cause unnecessary worry and stress.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually detected when a change in the usual vaginal discharge comes about. Often this change is described to be a greyish looking colour to the normal clearer vaginal discharge and have a somewhat fishy odour to it. However, it is also a known fact that many women can have bacterial vaginosis without any apparent symptoms.

In the case where any change is noted in either the smell or colour of vaginal discharge it is strongly recommended to get it checked out. This is particularly important for pregnant women as any infections of the vagina can provoke complications in pregnancy. Likewise, any woman should seek medical advice in order to rule out any other underlying problems that can be prevented from developing further of detected early.

So what exactly causes bacterial vaginosis? Although bacteria is present anyway in the vagina, given it’s warm and moist environment, this type of bacteria is known as good bacteria and is also accompanied by a small amount of bad bacteria. Although it may seem hard to believe, but this bacteria present in the vagina actually protects against infections. However, when the balance of bad bacteria begins to outweigh the good, the interior of the vagina can become inflamed and show signs of infection. The obvious symptom is the greyish tinge to any discharge and the rather unpleasant fishy smell.

Unfortunately it still remains unclear as to why this change in bacteria comes about but it is generally thought to be as a result of sexually transmitted diseases, the use of scented soaps and lotions, smoking, an intrauterine device and the use of vaginal deodorants.