Dedicated to promoting the awareness of vaginal health among the general public and medical community, the NVA provides a variety of educational materials and programs to improve the recognition of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis. Women need to be aware of possible signs and symptoms of the different types of vaginal infections and visit their health care Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that occurs when harmful bacteria overgrow in the vagina. These risks are even more harmful for pregnant women and women undergoing gynecological procedures. According to the survey, a majority of women could identify itching and discharge as symptoms of yeast infection. A foul or fishy vaginal odor often accompanies discharge when BV is present.
Yeast infection presents with a white, cottage cheese-like, odorless discharge and itching.
It is essential that they see a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. The only effective treatment for BV is a prescription antibiotic. Despite these warnings, less than half of the women surveyed who have experienced a vaginal infection contacted a health care provider as a first step when they first experienced symptoms. Only when their first action was not successful did more than 60 percent contact a health care provider. This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as promotion by 3M Pharmaceuticals for the use of any of its products.