Bacterial Vaginitis

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.