How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Spread
Researchers do not know the cause of BV or how some women get it. We do know that the condition typically occurs in sexually active women. BV is linked to an imbalance of good and harmful bacteria that are normally found in a womans vagina. Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This places a woman at increased risk for getting BV.
We also do not know how sex contributes to BV. There is no research to show that treating a sex partner affects whether or not a woman gets BV. Having BV can increase your chances of getting other STDs.
BV rarely affects women who have never had sex.
You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.
What Should You Do If You Think Youve Been Misdiagnosed
Have you had inconsistent STD test results i.e. one negative and one positive test? Or do you doubt the accuracy of a recent STD test? If so, then know that you can always visit a private STD testing clinic for a second opinion. Sometimes general practitioners may not have access to the most advanced testing equipment on the market. As such, it doesnt hurt to get tested again for a condition like chlamydia at a dedicated STD testing facility.
How Is Bv Diagnosed
BV is diagnosed by your doctor, either your general practitioner or your gynecologist. It is preferred, however, to see your gynecologist for BV or any other infection that involves the vagina or reproductive system. Most likely, your doctor will take a sample of your vaginal discharge with a swab and examine it under a microscope to pinpoint the type or types of bacteria involved. However, because BV is a common problem, a doctor may also be able to see signs of it during an exam. Your doctor may also ask questions about your recent sexual history, such as if you have a new partner or have had multiple partners.
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What Are Vaginitis And Vaginosis
Vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that may be due to vaginosis or other factors such as an allergy, irritant, or a decrease in the female hormone estrogen. Vaginitis is a very common condition, most frequently affecting women of child-bearing age. Vaginal infections caused by bacteria has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to
Vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that may be due to vaginosis or other factors such as an allergy, irritant, or a decrease in the female hormone estrogen. Vaginitis is a very common condition, most frequently affecting women of child-bearing age. Vaginal infections caused by bacteria has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to affect over 21 million women between the ages of 14 to 49 years. The condition can cause genital itching, pain or burning and, often, an abnormal vaginal discharge. When the external genitals are also inflamed, the condition may be referred to as vulvovaginitis. Inflammation of the cervix may also be present. The most common terms used by the general public for vaginitis and vaginosis are yeast infection and vaginal infection.
A small amount of daily vaginal discharge is normal. This is usually clear or milky and varies in consistency and quantity during a womans menstrual cycle.
How To Get Rid Of Precancerous Cells
If you do have precancerous cells, your doctor will vanquish them! This can happen through laser therapy, also called laser ablation, which is when the abnormal cells are burned away with a laser, . Luckily, you get a local anaesthetic during this, so it doesnât hurt ⦠although you may smell burning. Another way to get rid of unwanted cervical cells is through cryotherapy, which is freezing off the cells with a cold probe. While you wonât feel the freezing taking place, you may get cramps during and for a bit after. With both of these procedures, once the abnormal cells are gone, normal cells can grow back in their place.
More intense procedures involve removing the whole area â not just the specific cells. Options include diathermy, which uses an electric current to snip the cervical tissue that has the abnormal cells large loop excision of the transformation zone , which is basically the same as diathermy in that it cuts away the abnormal area using a loop of wire and an electric current cone biopsy, which is when a cone-shaped area of your cervix is surgically removed and in rare cases hysterectomy, which is where your entire womb is taken out.
These are clearly way more invasive, but the advantage is that the removed piece can be checked out by the lab, versus in laser therapy or cryotherapy where they are destroyed.
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When A Disease Is Rare
You can think about it like this. Imagine you have a population where a disease is very rare. It affects only one in every thousand people. If a test is very good at finding the disease, it will always find that person.
However, if it’s not perfect at detecting people who don’t have the disease, then several people will test positive who don’t have it. Since there’s only one truly infected person, there are more false positives than true positives.
Related Conditions And Causes Of Bacterial Vaginosis
If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can increase a womans risk of developing other medical conditions, including:
- Sexually transmitted diseases Having BV makes a woman more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease BV can sometimes lead to PID, an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries that can impair fertility.
- Preterm birth During pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.
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What Is The Prognosis For A Female With Chlamydia
As discussed previously, chlamydia infection can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease if untreated, which can have serious consequences. Complications include permanent damage to the reproductive organs, including infertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy can also lead to low birth weight and premature delivery as well as pneumonia and eye damage in the newborn.
Having an untreated chlamydia infection can also increase a person’s risk for acquiring HIV infection. It can also increase the risk that a person with HIV infection will transmit the infection to others during sexual intercourse.
What Are The Complications Of Pid
If PID isnt treated, it can lead to serious health problems that are sometimes life-threatening. The infection may spread to other parts of your body. PID can increase your risk for ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening. People with PID can experience chronic pain in their lower belly, and infertility.
The longer you have PID, the more likely it is that youll have dangerous long-term health problems and infertility. Thats why its really important to have any symptoms checked out by a doctor, and get tested regularly for STDs the sooner, the better.
PID can be treated. But treatment might not be able to undo damage caused by long-term PID infections.
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Don’t Panic After An Abnormal Pap
An abnormal Pap test result can mean a number of different things. So, if the doctors office calls back a few days after your visit to the gynecologist, dont panic.
The first thing you need to know is that a Pap test is only a screening, and does not offer a specific diagnosis.
As with any screening, theres a potential for false positives. Any abnormal Pap result will require further testing to determine the root problem, if there is one.
You Can Also Try A 100% Natural Treatment
Another excellent option, especially for women who suffer from chronic yeast infections or infections caused by Candida strains immune to convention treatment are boric acid suppositories.
Boric acid is one of the most effective and safe options when it comes to vaginal yeast infection treatment. BoriCap is one of the best options because they offer same-day shipment which allows you to start your treatment promptly.
BoriCap comes with 28 100% natural suppositories. Insert one suppository into your vagina for 7 consecutive days at bedtime. If you suffer from chronic yeast infections, keep inserting one suppository a week for up to six months to prevent a recurrence.
If you want to learn more, check my article about using boric acid suppositories for a vaginal yeast infection.
If you prefer to treat your vaginal yeast infection with home remedies, check my coconut oil suppository recipes. The ingredients I use include coconut oil, tea tree oil, and aloe vera gel, all of them scientifically shown to kill Candida cells and relieve vaginal yeast infection symptoms.
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Can A Chlamydia Test Result Be False Positive
Can a Chlamydia Test Result be False Positive? This is the most common question. I tried to answer it with helpful examples and reasons.
The precision of tests differs, contingent upon the kind of test that is utilized. Suggested tests are 90-95% sensitive. This implies they will recognize Chlamydia major symptoms in the vast majority who have the disease.
Keep in mind that no test is 100% precise. There is a little risk that a test may indicate negative not with standing when you have Chlamydia. This is widely known as a false negative test result outcome. Accuracy of Chlamydia Swab test is also not 100%. It is as well additionally feasible for a test result to be positive notwithstanding when you dont have Chlamydia. This is known as a false positive test outcome. Both these false tests are exceptionally rare. However, can in some cases clarify why you initially got the other result to your sexual partner.
False positive test result for Chlamydia is 100% possible and below are some common reasons for that. You should try to re-test if you are unsure about your first blood test result.
The Good News About Hpv
You may be thinking, Good news about HPV? While its obviously not a cause for celebration, an HPV diagnosis doesnt have to leave you frantic or afraid. Nearly all sexually active women get HPV at some point in their lives. But 80% of those women will find that the HPV clears from their body within 2 years of diagnosis. However, this makes regular Pap tests and visits to your gynecologist all the more important.
Cervical cancer doesnt just happen overnight. In fact, the occurrence in the U.S. is so low because of routine screening with Pap tests, and because women are treated as soon as more significant intraepithelial lesions are detected.
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How Do I Protect Myself
You can reduce your risk of spreading bacteria related to BV or other STIs by following a few steps:
- Wear a condom or use protection during vaginal or anal sex. Use a dental dam during oral sex to keep bacteria from getting in your mouth. Learn how to properly use condoms.
- Limit the number of sexual partners you have at one time.
- Keep your penis and genital area cleanto keep bacteria from overgrowing. Make sure you clean the skin beneath your foreskin regularly, too.
- Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear to ventilate your genital area, especially when exercising or doing other things that make you sweat.
What Happens During A Bv Test
A BV test is done in a similar way as a pelvic exam or Pap smear. During the test,
- You will take off your clothes below your waist. You will get a gown or sheet as a cover.
- You will lie on your back on an exam table, with your feet in stirrups.
- Your health care provider will insert a special tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the sides of your vagina.
- Your provider will use a cotton swab or wooden stick to collect a sample of your vaginal discharge.
The discharge will be looked at under a microscope to check for signs of infection.
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What Happens If I Dont Get Treated
BV can cause some serious health risks, including:
- Increasing your chance of getting HIV if you have sex with someone who is infected with HIV
- If you are HIV positive, increasing your chance of passing HIV to your sex partner
- Making it more likely that you will deliver your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant
- Increasing your chance of getting other STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. These bacteria can sometimes cause pelvic inflammatory disease , which can make it difficult or impossible for you to have children.
How To Test For Chlamydia
If you think you may have chlamydia, its best to get tested. As most women dont experience any symptoms, its crucial to do a test whenever in doubt. If for any reason you cannot see your doctor, you can order an STD test online.
MyLAB Box will allow you to take a vaginal swab and send it to a laboratory. Youll receive your lab-certified results within five days along with free medical advice on what to do in case you test positive. Go ahead and order your test kit today.
Chlamydia is fortunately easy to treat with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. The most common are:
- a single dose of azithromycin
- one week treatment with doxycycline
Make sure that during your treatment, you should avoid having sex and your sexual partner should get treatment at the same time. Its very important to start your Chlamydia treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated Chlamydia can cause:
- Fallopian tube inflammation
All of these conditions can have a very negative impact on your overall health as well as fertility. Once you know youve got Chlamydia, start your treatment promptly and stay healthy!
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Can Bv Cause False Positive Results For Chlamydia
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How Long Do Std Results Take
STI test results can take between five and 10 days. If you have testing done at Planned Parenthood, well contact you ONLY if your results are positive. If this is the case, well give you a call to ask you to come back for follow up. Planned Parenthood does not contact patients if the results are negative.
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Chlamydial Infection Among Adolescents And Adults
Chlamydial infection is the most frequently reported bacterial infectious disease in the United States, and prevalence is highest among persons aged 24 years . Multiple sequelae can result from C. trachomatis infection among women, the most serious of which include PID, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Certain women who receive a diagnosis of uncomplicated cervical infection already have subclinical upper genital tract infection.
Asymptomatic infection is common among both men and women. To detect chlamydial infection, health care providers frequently rely on screening tests. Annual screening of all sexually active women aged < 25 years is recommended, as is screening of older women at increased risk for infection . In a community-based cohort of female college students, incident chlamydial infection was also associated with BV and high-risk HPV infection . Although chlamydia incidence might be higher among certain women aged 25 years in certain communities, overall, the largest proportion of infection is among women aged < 25 years .
Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Other STIs can cause your cervical cells to become inflamed, making them look abnormal. Chlamydia or gonorrhea are both very common in these cases.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI, with nearly one and a half million cases reported annually. Young women are particularly affected, with around seven percent of sexually active young women infected. Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported STI, with over 300,000 cases reported annually. Luckily, these STIs are treatable with antibiotics, so if this is the reason why you have an abnormal Pap, hit those pills! And you can protect yourself from them in the future by using condoms.
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A Word From Same Day Std Testing
At Same Day, our mission is to provide quality, confidential STD testing services for all who need them. If youre concerned about your health or have questions about the testing process, then contact one of our team members at . Well give you the answers youre looking for. You can also find a facility near you here.
Bacterial Vaginosis Questions And Answers
What is BV?
Bacterial Vaginosis or BV is a common complaint among young women aged 15-44. BV is basically an abnormal overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina which causes vaginal infection.
What are the Symptoms of BV?
Common BV symptoms include:
-Thin, white or gray vaginal discharge
-Vaginal irritation, burning or itch
-Foul smelling, fishy vaginal odor
-Discomfort with urination
Sometimes, there are no symptoms with BV at all. Other times, BV symptoms can be mistaken for other problems such as UTI, yeast infection or other causes of pelvic infections such as Trichomonas, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.
What causes BV?
BV is a bacterial overgrowth and can be the result of abnormal vaginal pH which causes disruption in the normal bacterial balance in the vagina. Some risk factors for BV include: High blood sugar, excessive sugar intake, alcohol consumption, vaginal wash products, vaginal douching, fragranced body washes or detergents, stress, anxiety, antibiotic use, exposure to semen in the vagina, exposure to saliva in the vagina, hormonal changes, new or multiple sex partners, gut flora imbalance.
Is BV Dangerous?
For most women, BV is not harmful and sometimes resolves on its own. However, BV can cause Pelvic inflammatory Disease which is a severe pelvic infection which can result in infertility. BV can also be problematic for pregnant women because it increases the chances of pre-term delivery.
How is BV treated?
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