Scientific studies suggest that BV is common in women of reproductive age. In the U.S. the prevalence rate is approx 1 in 424 women. Statistics show that as many as 16% of pregnant women in the U.S. suffer from Bacterial Vaginosis.

Vaginal odor is not an issue of being "dirty", as many people believe. It is simply a pH imbalance in the vagina. If you suffer from BV, do not despair because there is hope.

First of all, bacterial vaginosis is not your fault. That reminds me of something that Forest Gump once said, "it happens--- sometimes. He was serious.

There are stories that would nearly bring tears to your eyes- of women being embarrassed, about whispers of 'a strange smell', of being afraid to get close to anyone in social situations, the inability to have intimacy with their partner, and even marital separations.

This is an issue that gets very little media attention. Most people just sweep it under the rug so to speak because it is such a personal issue. There are countless women with bacterial vaginosis that are afraid to even mention it to their family physician.

It is time to speak out. Vaginal odor from bacterial vaginosis is a medical problem, not a hygiene problem. Even if you nearly scrubbed the skin off, the intense cleansing would not make it go away.

Therefore it is a problem that can not be simply wished away or ignored. You can not afford to risk your health and happiness over this imbalance when it can be treated.

Bacterial vaginosis is actually an infection with inflammation in the vagina. It is caused by an overabundance of certain bacteria.

The vagina normally contains a lot of "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli. This good bacteria is what causes the vagina to maintain the proper acidic balance.

The other bacteria sometimes called the bad bacteria, named anaerobes are not really bad unless there are excessive amounts of them.

So as you can see, it is caused by a disruption in the normal chemical balance of the vagina. The symptoms of BV is cramps, pain, itching, discharge, and odor.

The best way to make sure that you have bacterial vaginosis instead of a yeast infection or another type of infection is to check the discharge. If you have bacterial vaginosis the discharge will be thin, milky white or gray, usually with a foul or fishy smell.

While it's more common in women who are sexually active, it also occurs in women who are not sexually active. It is usually unnecessary for your sexual partner to be treated.

Vaginal odor is usually the most intense, and extremely noticable when a couple is intimate. This is probably due to the increased temperature, an alkalinity based hormonal release, and extra moisture during this time.

Immediately following sexual intercourse the fishy smell is the strongest because of the alkalinity of the seminal vesicle secretion.

If the infection isn't treated, the bacteria may spread into the uterus or the fallopian tubes and cause more serious infections leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.

In the most severe cases, this infection can cause pregnancy complications, sterility, and greater risk for HIV. Treating bacterial vaginosis lowers this risk.

It is important that this disease be treated on the inside (medication), and on the outside (cream or gel) as soon as possible.

7 Tips That Can Help Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis:

1. Wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics.  2. Wear thigh-highs instead of pantyhose.  3. Avoid tight pants.  4. Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.  5. Dry yourself well after a shower.  6. Refrain from using oils in the bath(trapping bacteria).  7. Douche only once a month with mild douche.

Also, here is a simple douche to help restore a well balanced pH level in the vagina. Add one teaspoon of boric acid or a half-cup of hydrogen peroxide to two quarts of warm water.

A good practice when douching is to always use gentle formulas instead of strong vinegar based ones. Over cleansing can kill to many of the good bacteria.

Hopefully you are sufficiently encouraged now to get the attention you need. Do not ever be too embarrassed to seek a solution for bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal odor.

You deserve to live your life to the fullest, to have a social life without worry, and to completely and totally enjoy an intimate relationship with your partner.