Bacterial vaginitis is a conglomeration of clinical findings that include a discharge of varied consistency, odor, pruritus, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dysuria. In virtually all conditions caused by abnormal vaginal organisms, the infection manifests itself as an inflammatory process that also affects the vulvar area due to the close proximity. Thus, the condition is sometimes termed as vulvovaginitis.

Incidence – Vaginal discharge is one of the most frequent complaints encountered in a gynecologic practice. Bacterial vaginitis infections accounts for 7 to 10% of all the gynecological visits and is most prevalent in women with child bearing age. Emotionally and physically, the distress associated with this vaginal condition cannot be measured. Many women accept an abnormal discharge as normal, either because of embarrassment or prior ineffective treatment. An additional burden may ne financial; dollars spent and work days lost is astronomical. A decrease in the persistent or recurrent symptoms encountered in women with the vaginal condition could be attained if “more specific” diagnosis and management would replace the traditional “nonspecific labeling of diagnosis and management.

Prevention – Because bacterial vaginitis is caused by various conditions such as organisms, systematic diseases, douches, and foreign objects such as soap, a diversified individualized nursing approach is helpful. The avoidance of restrictive undergarments that may produce the growth of candida is encouraged. The everyday wearing of restrictive outer garments, such as tight jeans, is also discouraged. When in risk factor is long term antibiotic therapy for an infection elsewhere in the body that may destroy the normal flora of vaginal lining, a change in antibiotics may be helpful. In sexually transmitted conditions, the partner should use a condom during the intercourse if infection is present. Having multiple sexual partners places the individual at high risk for STD and this increases the woman’s risk of bacterial vaginitis. Disengaging in sex though, is not a 100 percent guarantee in escaping the condition because there are cases where women still had the condition even without experiencing sex in their lives.

Bacterial Vaginitis is a condition that is common in women throughout the world. Women should not be ashamed with this condition and be very open towards other people regarding their condition. People should also understand to women who have this vaginal condition because it is something that they did not choose. The condition is not that deadly to us humans and there are readily available treatments for this condition at home or in the hospital.