Bacterial Vaginosis
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis SymptomsMedical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Up to 75% of women will experience an inflammatory condition of the vagina at some point in their lives. Medically known as vaginitis, inflammation in the vaginal area is a common condition resulting from multiple causes. Two of the most common causes of vaginitis are yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis refers to an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina and is not a sexually-transmitted infection (STD). The condition used to be referred to as Gardnerella vaginitis; because Gardnerella is a type of bacteria that sometimes causes the infection. While symptoms are not present in about half of women with bacterial vaginosis, those who do experience symptoms will have vaginal discharge, usually with an unpleasant odor. The discharge is usually gray to white in color but can be of any color. Top Searched Bacterial Vaginosis Terms
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Bacterial Vaginosis OverviewBacterial vaginosis is a vaginal condition that results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. The condition was formerly referred to as Gardnerella vaginitis, after the bacteria that were believed to cause the condition. However, since there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina and can grow to excess to cause the condition, the name bacterial vaginosis is the preferred term. As a result of overgrowth of certain bacteria, a vaginal discharge may result. Bacterial Vaginosis CausesThe reasons for overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina or an imbalance in the growth of these bacteria are not fully understood. However, certain factors can increase a woman's risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, including:
Vaginal douching may also increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. While the condition is more common in women with multiple sex partners, it is not believed to be contagious or entirely related to sexual activity since it is the result of overgrowth or imbalance in the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Moreover, women who have not had sexual activity can develop bacterial vaginosis. Viewer Comments & ReviewsBacterial Vaginosis - Effective TreatmentsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What kinds of treatments have been effective for your bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial Vaginosis - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were the symptoms of your bacterial vaginosis? |
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Bacterial Vaginosis
Candidiasis (Yeast Infection, Candida) »
Candidiasis Yeast Infection Overview
A yeast infection results from an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) anywhere in the body. Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infection. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush (infection of tissues of the oral cavity), skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections.
- Candidal infections commonly occur in warm moist body areas, such as underarms. Usually your skin effectively blocks yeast, but any breakdown or cuts in the skin may allow this organism to penetrate.
- Typical affected areas in babies include the mouth and diaper areas.
- Vaginal yeast infection, which is the most...
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