Feb 28 2008
Bacterial Vaginosis Test For A Quicker Cure
An estimated 5%-30% of woman in the child bearing age can acquire an infection that’s called bacterial vaginosis, and have no symptoms at all. Although this infection has been known to go away on it’s own it has been known to implicate pelvic inflammatory disease.
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina, caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. There are many different natural bacteria that grow in the vagina, however if any of these begin to grow to the point of an overgrowth they are known to cause an infection, known sometimes to not show any symptoms. There is, however, a bacterial vaginosis test that is available.
Some symptoms that are known with bacterial vaginosis is a discharge from the vagina that has a fish like smell, as well as being milky white, yellow or even gray in color. There are bacterial vaginosis tests available such as:
Wet Mount – a sample of the vaginal discharge is mixed with a salt solution under a microscope. I there are clue cells present on the slide, then that is an indication of bacterial vaginosis
Whiff Test – again a vaginal sample is taken, and then potassium hydroxide is added to the sample. If a strong fish like odor is then produced is an indication of bacterial vaginosis
Vaginal pH – the normal pH in the vagina is around 3.8 to 4.5. If the pH level is higher then 4.5 that is usually an indication of bacterial vaginosis
Gram Stain – vaginal discharge is taken from the vagina and placed onto a microscope slide, and then a special dye is added to the slide. If the bacteria turns pink, that is usually a sign of bacterial vaginosis
Oligonucleotide Probes – this test finds the genetic material of the bacteria
Pap test – Not usually done to try and find bacterial vaginosis, however this infection can be found during this test
So there are several bacterial vaginosis test that can be done to help you determine if you have this infection. Keep in mind that if you are pregnant and you suffer from this infection you should consult your doctor immediately. Bacterial Vaginosis has been known in some cases to cause premature birth as well as a low birth rate, and is also linked to possible other health problems.