Having an abnormal vaginal odor can be embarrassing. You stay away from crowds because of the fear that they might smell you. You would not dare pick up your pen because people around might smell the malodorous scent coming from your vagina. Bacterial vaginosis causes this vaginal odor. Several bacteria are the causative agent of this condition and therefore the vaginal odor.
These bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis are part of the Mycoplasma genus, specifically Mycoplasma hominis, certain Streptoccocus species, and Bacteroides species.
The normal flora of the vagina is usually lactobacillus and Gardnerella vaginalis, which are more abundant than the rest of the bacteria when the pH of the vagina is acidic or normal.
The imbalance in the pH of the vagina is the main cause of the bacterial vaginosis and of the accompanying vagina odor. Sometimes some drugs cause the vagina to be more alkaline. These drugs may be substances with sodium carbonate.
Since the normal pH of the vagina is acidic, this should be maintained to avoid the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis.
The condition is sometimes also characterized by itching and inflammation of the vagina. As you scratch it, the more the condition exacerbates. The vaginal odor will also worsen, so you should refrain from washing frequently to prevent further irritation.
How are the microbes identified in bacterial vaginosis? What causes this vaginal odor?
The microbes are identified by using differential staining with two stains. The first stain is applied for one minute to the correctly prepared smear of the vaginal secretion.
After a minute, the smear is washed off in tap water. Grams iodine is applied generously.
After a minute, wash with tap water again. Apply acid alcohol or acetone alcohol for at least 30 to 40 seconds to decolorize.
Wash again with tap water. Apply the counter-stain, which is safranin, for one to two minutes. Rinse with tap water and then air dry.
The microbes’ identification will be based on the color they acquire during the stain. For the streptococcus, they will be gram-positive which means they will acquire the violet color. If the microbes are gram-negative, they will acquire the color of safranin, which is pink.
This is how you identify the causes of bacterial vaginosis causing your vaginal odor. Knowing the exact microbes that cause the condition will help a lot in eliminating it. The major cause of the vaginal odor however should also be treated first, which is the pH imbalance. When these two are treated then you will be cured of your bacterial vaginosis.
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