Vaginal Infections 'symptom Sorter' Launches To Help Women Get Diagnosed And Treated

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 22 May 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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Three quarters (75%) of women with BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) admit the condition has prevented them from getting intimate with their partner, according to a new survey by Balance ActivTM Vaginal Gel.1 Sufferers reveal BV affects their personal relationships more than any other aspect of their lives, with one in ten sufferers resorting to ending relationships as a result of the embarrassing symptoms.1

To help women identify the most common vaginal infections like BV and take appropriate action, Balance ActivTM Vaginal Gel is launching a 'Vaginal Infections Symptom Sorter' supported by Dr Dawn Harper, which is now available as a free download from http://www.regainyourbalance.com.

The discreet handbag-sized checklist explains the symptoms of BV and is specifically designed to help women initiate a conversation with their GP or pharmacist, avoid embarrassment and get diagnosed. The Symptom Sorter enables women to rule out other common vaginal infections such as Thrush and Trichomoniasis (Trich) and includes handy lifestyle tips for maintaining a healthy vagina.

BV is the most common vaginal infection in the UK and is twice as common as Thrush.2 It is characterised by a fishy vaginal odour, abnormal discharge and vaginal discomfort.* However, it's not only the physical symptoms of BV women are enduring; it's also having a negative effect on their self confidence. 88% of BV sufferers admit they often feel unattractive, which may be why they are not active in the bedroom. Over three quarters (77%) are too embarrassed to tell their partners.1

Dr Philip Hay, Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine, St George's Healthcare Trust comments: "The condition can cause considerable distress and has a huge impact on women's lives. In my personal experience as a consultant in GU Medicine I have seen many women with BV who are affected emotionally by the physical symptoms that the condition brings. It affects their everyday lives, in work and at home, for example, it is not uncommon for women not to have a sexual relationship if they have recurrent BV, even if they are in a long-term relationship."

BV is not a STI and is estimated to affect one in three women at some point in their lives,3,4 regardless of their sexual behaviour. However, having sex without a condom, the contraceptive coil and using intimate products can change the pH of the vagina and bring on symptoms of BV.

References

1. Online BV sufferer's survey on http://www.regainyourbalance.com (178 participants surveyed between Aug 2008 and Jan 2009)
2. Bacterial Vaginosis http://www.patient.co.uk
3. The Family Planning Association - http://www.fpa.org.uk
4. Society of Sexual Health Advisors - http://www.ssha.info

Source
Virgo Health