Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women and it occurs when the normal bacteria in the vagina becomes unbalanced. Although some women do not experience any symptons, many women complain about the unpleasant side effects associated with this infection, such as an abnormal, gray and watery discharge, a strong "fishy" odor and burning, itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. Bacterial Vaginosis can be easily treated and cured in a matter of time.
Instructions
1. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider. You must see a gynecologist, nurse practitioner or trained medical professional, in order to confirm that you have bacterial vaginosis. Your health care provider must give you certain tests to determine if you have BV.
2. Meet with your health care provider and describe your symptoms to him. Next, your doctor must give you an examination and gather a sample of your discharge to send to the laboratory for testing. A lab technician or medical professional, may perform the Whiff test, a stain test, check for loss of acidity and look for certain identifying cells in your discharge. If your discharge has a "fishy" odor, your pH balance is higher than 4.5 and you have clue cells in your discharge, then a diagnosis can be made that you have BV.
3. Wait for your test results to come in from the lab. You may or may not receive your test results on the same day as your doctor's appointment. More than likely, you must wait approximately 3 to 5 days before you receive your test results. Your doctor or nurse should call you when the results are back.
4. Discuss treatment options with your doctor. If you have BV, then you should immediately begin treatment. Normally, doctors prescribe antibiotics (metronidazole "flagyl", clindamycin or tinidazole pills) for an entire week. Or you can use a vaginal cream (metrogel) or (cleocin) for a week.
5. Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to finish all of it, even if you feel better in a couple of days. Notify your doctor if you have any severe or unusual side effects to the medication.
6. Return to your doctor's office for a follow-up visit. Once you finish your medication, you should see your doctor to confirn that the BV is gone. She may or may not take another vaginal sample to send to the lab.
Tags: your doctor, your discharge, your test results, care provider, health care
