Bacterial Vaginitis Symptoms 

Bacterial vaginitis is a vaginal infection. It is one of the most common reasons for vaginitis during reproductive years. Bacterial vaginitis is not a STD; however it can be caused through sexual intercourse. It can also occur among lesbians through exchange of vaginal fluids. Bacterial vaginitis is known medically as bacterial vaginosis and it is the most common type of vaginal infection.

The main cause of bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the natural flora of the vagina which causes a rapid increase in the growth of certain bacteria. These bacteria are normally present in the vagina but the sudden increase in their numbers is the cause of the infection. Yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis symptoms are sometimes very similar and this may result in an incorrect diagnosis. Yeast infection symptoms in men are very different from those in children and women and pictures and images can sometimes help to determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by a bacterial or a yeast infection.

It is important to note that there are several key characteristics that help to differentiate between the two types of infection – while a yeast infection causes an odor that resembles beer or bread, bacterial vaginosis causes a sharp fishy odor. Furthermore, a yeast infection invariably causes itching while bacterial vaginosis may even go unnoticed due to the absence of itching or discomfort. A vaginal swab test would therefore help to obtain a definite diagnosis.

Symptoms of Bacterial vaginitis

Signs and symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginitis are as follows.- There could be changes in the odor and colour of the vaginal discharge.



• Itching or irritation in vagina.



• Pain while Urinating.



• Light bleeding from vagina.



• Fishy odor and grayish white discharge from vagina; especially after sexual intercourse.



Bacterial vaginosis symptoms are often very mild at the onset of the condition and if the infection is treated right away, the symptoms will disappear. However, the longer one ignores the problem for the higher the risk of suffering from severe and long lasting symptoms. It was earlier believed that a douche would help to flush out the vagina and help to get rid of the infection; but recent research proves that using a douche may in fact aggravate the situation. A douche flushes out both the good and bad bacteria from the vagina and this causes an imbalance which will allow the unhealthy bacteria to thrive once more. Any abdominal pain or bleeding must be brought to the attention of the doctor as these may be symptoms of a severe infection that has affected not just the vagina but also the other urinary organs in the body. This does not happen very often and is most commonly seen in cases where the initial symptoms of unusual bacterial vaginosis discharge or odor were ignored. Those who suffer from recurring bacterial vaginosis may also be at a higher risk of suffering from this problem. An infection that has spread to the other urinary organs can pose a serious health risk and needs immediate medical attention. Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is another possible complication that can result from a severe case of bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory diseases are severe and painful and immediate treatment is a must.

Causes of Bacterial vaginitis

Bacterial Vaginitis Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Bacterial Vaginitis Causes

The main cause of bacterial vaginitis is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and the Gardnerella organism. Generally in a vagina there are more Lactobacillus bacteria than bad bacteria like Gardnerella Vaginalis and Mobiluncus. When the number of bad bacteria increases in vagina, they upset the balance. and this imbalance causes bacterial vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis or the gardnerella infection as it is sometimes called is the result of significant change in the microflora of the vagina.

This type of an imbalance can be caused by the prolonged use of antibiotic medication and so it is advisable to drink plenty of water and include generous amounts of yogurt in your diet if you are on antibiotic medication. The additional intake of water helps to flush out the urinary tract while yogurt contain several types of healthy bacteria and this helps to maintain the right balance of bacteria within the vagina. It is also important to avoid self-medication as this could result in a number of negative reactions.

This Imbalance Could be Caused Due to Various Reasons Such As

• Repeated sexual intercourse in a short duration which leads to a rise in the vaginal pH and results in growth of bacteria and infectionlike symptoms. Urinating after sexual intercourse has been proven to have several positive effects, including the prevention of bacterial vaginosis as it helps to flush out the bacteria within the urethra and this will help to prevent a bacterial vaginosis infection. In addition to this, it is also advisable to use a water based lubricant as this will help to reduce friction. This will help to reduce the risk of vaginal infections as damaged skin tissue is more susceptible to infectious pathogens.



• Moisture (for long period of time) in the vaginal area caused by restrictive and nonabsorbent synthetic clothing. -Use of chemicals that may cause irritation.-Use of antibiotics that disrupt the balance of the bacterial environment in the vagina.

Remedies for Bacterial vaginitis

Bacterial Vaginitis home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers

Treating Naturally

• Eat or apply plain yogurt directly to the vagina. Alternatively, a tampon soaked in yogurt can be inserted.



• Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic can be taken internally or can be applied directly on the vagina.- Use calendula herb to reduce the inflammation.- Herbs like tea tree oil, black walnut, Echinacea and goldenseal are effective in treating bacterial vaginitis.- Use boric acid douche to acidify vaginal pH.- Douche to reduce inflammation Add 12 tsp of calendula to boiling water, steep the mixture and cool it before use.- Soak a tea bag in water and cool it in refrigerator and then apply it to the vagina.



Excess moisture in the vaginal area can aggravate a bacterial vaginosis infection and so it is important to keep the area free of excess moisture. You can use powder to help absorb the moisture and prevent infection. You can use a medicated anti-bacteria powder or you can make your own powder to prevent infections out of Margosa leaves. Wash two or three handfuls of Margosa leaves with warm water to ensure that they are free of dust and chemical pesticide residue. Allow them to dry completely and then heat them lightly in a small saucepan for two to three minutes. Set them aside to cool and then grind them into a fine powder. Empty this powder into an empty powder container and use it at least twice a day for immediate bacterial vaginosis relief.

Diet for Bacterial vaginitis

Bacterial Vaginitis : Home Remedies suggested by users

Healthy Diet

Eat a healthy diet comprising of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include flax seed oil and meal in your diet. Drink lots of water. Eat non vegetarian foods like meat, poultry and fish. Eat whole grains. Avoid alcohol, refined flour, processed foods, sugar, coffee and saturated fats.


Drink plenty of fruit juices until the symptoms have disappeared completely as this will help to continuously flush out your urinary tract and prevent the spread of the bacteria. Fruits are also good sources of nutrients and this will help to bolster you immune system.

Cirrus fruit juices are particularly beneficial as they are high in Vitamin C and citric acid which provides an inhospitable environment for the bacteria. In cases of recurring infection, cranberry juice is often suggested as a complementary treatment. The intake of antibiotics each time allows the bacteria within the system to become resistant to medication and this makes the infection harder to eliminate.

Cranberry juice contains compounds that help to prevent several types of urinary infections, especially kidney infections, and this makes them invaluable in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Suggestion for Bacterial vaginitis

Other Ways to Deal With the Problem

• Use well washed under garments. Make sure that you use a mild detergent while washing your undergarments. The residue from detergents can irritate inflamed skin and so you should rinse your undergarments with warm water to get rid of all particulate residue. It is best to soak these pieces of clothing in hot water for at least 20 minutes before you wash them as the high temperature will help to kill off any bacteria that may be present in the fibers of your clothes.



• Maintain good toilet hygiene.- Always take a warm bath.-Avoid irritants like scented tampons.- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.- Always keep vaginal area clean.- Clean your vagina area thoroughly after having sex.- Avoid tight clothes and wear cotton panties.- Avoid douching as it disturbs the balance of the microorganisms within the vagina.- Be sure to clean diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide applicators after each use.



• Take care to clean the anal area from front to back to prevent the intestinal bacteria from spreading into the vagina. Make it a regular practice to wash yourself with warm water and soap every alternate day at least as this will help to keep the area free of excess natural oils and discharge.