Bacterial Vaginosis (Vaginal Overgrowth) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection which arises with overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is not like with other vaginal infections where pathogenic microorganisms infiltrate the vagina and injure the tissue. Instead bacterial vaginosis arises when the various types of naturally-occurring bacteria (vaginal flora) multiply excessively. There are several species of bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria are usually harmless and necessary because it prevents other dangerous bacteria and yeasts from infecting the vagina. However the population of these bacteria need to be carefully controlled or it can pose a problem to the vagina. Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis The exact reason why the bacterial population grows out of control is unclear. It is not associated with hygiene. Excessive washing and vaginal douching can in fact promote overgrowth of bacteria as it disturbs certain aspects of the micro-environment in the vagina like the pH. Multiple species of anerobic bacteria proliferate in the vagina with bacterial vaginosis but there is a decline in the lactobacilli. It may be some factor that disturbs the lactobacilli which allows for the other types of bacteria to grow out of control. Apart from douching, cigarette smoking and multiple sex partners may be other [...]