What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of the vagina's natural flora. The vagina, like many other part of the body, contain bacteria that aid it in its natural functions. When the levels of bacteria are out of balance, a bacterial vaginosis infection can occer.
The question of where bacterial vaginosis comes or its cause from has not been fully answered, because of the lack of understanding about it. From what is known it is caused mainly by the imbalance of organisms that thrive within the vagina. About 95% of bacteria that exist within the vagina are lactobacillus, these are considered good bacteria and maintain the natural ph levels within which prevent other organisms or bad bacteria such as gardenrella from growing in the vagina. Contrary to popular belief bacterial vaginosis is not acquired through using beddings or toilet seats that an infected person used. It also cannot be transmitted through swimming pools and by simply touching objects around you. Some of the factors that may cause an imbalance in the vagina’s flora are:
- Vaginal Douching- this is a process of cleaning the vagina by flushing the vaginal cavity with liquid or any solution to wash away discharge or other contents. This may be done a number of reasons, including washing away odor or menstruation, to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, or to simply clean the vagina. Although this may be prescribed by some doctors, it should not be done without a physician’s advice and supervision. Douching disturbs the vagina’s delicate chemical balance causing bad bacteria to grow within.
- Multiple sex partners- sleeping with a number of different partners can lead to bacterial vaginosis not because it disrupts the natural ph, but because this disease can transmitted sexually.
- Intrauterine Device- IUD’s as they are better known are small t-shaped, plastic devices that are flexible. They are a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus through the vaginal cavity.
Learn more about bacterial vaginosis treatment or see our review page for step by step guides you can use at home.
