Bacterial Vaginosis or Trichomonas... An Overview of the Two

                

 

Both bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas are common gynecological ailments. They are also very similar, which causes many women to become confused about both conditions. While there are some similarities, there are enough differences between bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas that can help people distinguish the difference between the two conditions.

Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation of the vagina. It is the most common form of vaginal infection, accounting for between 10 and 64 percent of all vaginal infections at any gven time. This infection is primarily caused by an overgrowth of the Gardnerella organism or anaerobic bacteria. While bacteria are common in the vagina, there is a necessary balance. When that balance is off, inflammation occurs.

The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a fishy, unpleasant, and pronounced vaginal odor. It is also common for women to experience an itching or burning sensation, but this is not always a symptom of bacterial vaginosis. In fact, it is not uncommon for a woman to have bacterial vaginosis and experience no physical symptoms. Many learn that they have bacterial vaginosis after a routine pelvic exam at their doctor’s office. This is why doctors stress the importance of not douching at least a week before your pelvic exam.

It is estimated that 3 million women every year are infected with the organism that causes trichomonas. It is, in fact, a very common sexually transmitted disease. It is unclear how many men are infected each year with trichomonas.

Trichomonas is most commonly transmitted to others through unprotected sexual intercourse. There have been cases where the disease has been transmitted through shared towels, but these cases are rare. Women have even transmitted the disease to their newborn babies through childbirth.

Women are often not aware that they have this sexually transmitted disease. Most people experience no symptoms as a result of trichomonas infection. This is why so many people are unaware that they have the infection.

Some of the symptoms of trichomonas include painful sexual intercourse, vaginal irritation, odorous vaginal discharge that is yellow, green, or white, and vaginal inflammation. If symptoms do occur, they usually become apparent between four and twenty days after infection. Men usually experience no symptoms at all.

If you suspect that you may have one of these conditions, it is important to make an appointment to see your gynecologist. Only a trained professional can properly diagnose and treat both of these medical conditions.

Kristi Patrice Carter is an experienced health writer and the author of Beating Bacterial Vaginosis for Good! (A comprehensive eBook that teaches women how to successfully overcome Bacterial Veginosis). For additional information about Bacterial Vaginosis Recurrent please visit http://www.bacterialvaginosisrecurrent.com