A Brief Introduction to Bacterial Vaginosis
As the most common type of vaginal infection out there, bacterial vaginosis is (as the name strongly indicates!) a type of bacterial infection within the vagina itself. On a normal basis, a healthy vagina already contains various types of bacteria - most of which exist to prevent the growth of other types of micro organisms.
At this juncture it is important for you to note that 'vaginosis' in itself does not necessarily have to mean bacterial vaginosis. In fact, vaginosis simply means an inflammation of the mucus membranes that line the vagina. There are two main types of vaginosis, infectious and bacterial - and distinguishing between them is key.
One of the main differences between bacterial vaginosis and infectious vaginosis is that the latter is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Despite the fact that many people carry around the misconception that bacterial vaginosis is a STD as well - it really isn't. However that being said, if you are in a same-sex relationship with another woman there is a chance that it can spread to her.
In a heterosexual relationship however, there is no risk of the man being infected by bacterial vaginosis.
If you want to be completely thorough, you should also know that there is another type of vaginosis known as atrophic vaginosis. Chances are you don't have it, unless you are post menopause, or have had your ovaries removed. No matter what type of vaginosis you suspect you're carrying however, the important thing is that you get yourself diagnosed as quickly as possible. Many women leave this condition undiagnosed and untreated - in some cases due to not being aware of it, and in others due to being ashamed of it.
Be aware that bacterial vaginosis is an extremely common condition, and it is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Contrary to popular rumors, it is not due to promiscuity or any other type of sexual practices. The latest statistics show that 1 in 400 or so women contract bacterial vaginosis at some point or other during their lifespan.
Now that you know a little bit about bacterial vaginosis, you should at least be that little bit more prepared to deal with it. Bacterial vaginosis is treatable, even though that treatment may be complicated in its own right.
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