Not all vaginal infections are caused byyeast. In fact the Imost common form ofvaginal infection, BV (bacterial vaginosis),is caused by bacteria, not yeast.

Bacterial vaginosis*:I d .more common an more serious

Although many women have never heard of BV, it can bemore serious than a yeast infection and-left untreated-may be associated with an increased chance ofgynecological problems.

Yeast infectiontreatments can'tcure BYNo medication for thetreatment of yeast infec-tions, including over-the-counter preparations, iseffective in killing thebacteria that cause BV.Feminine hygieneproducts, such asdeodorants and douches,can only hide odortemporarily-they caneven make things worseby spreading bacteria touninfected areas.

See your health care profe sionalIf you have any of th~ BV sympt oms listed here, consult aprofessional. Only your health ( are provider can diagnose andtreat BV. Be specific when repor ing odor and type ofdischarge to your health care pt wider. Do not douche or usedeodorant sprays before a pelvic exam; these can make it

.1more difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.

If you have BY, ask about etroGel-YaginalEffective treatment for BV is available by prescription onlythrough your health care professional. One medication,MetroGel-Vaginal, provides therapy for BV in only 5 days.

MetroGel-Vaginal isformulated in a water-based gel, which is clear,odorless, and won't stainclothing. Possible sideeffects of MetroGel-Vaginalinclude upset stomach,nausea, and metallic taste.Yeastovergrowth mayoccur while on therapyfor BV. If you think youhave BV, ask your healthcare professional ifMetroGel-Vaginal isright for you.

BY(bacterial vaginosis)

Yeast Infection(vaginal candidiasis)

Vaginal discharge hasno odor

Odor Vaginal discharge hasan unpleasant odor

Discharge Discharge is thin,milky white or grey

Discharge is thick and white(like cottage cheese)

Itching!irritation

Vaginal itchinglburningis sometimes present

Caused by yeastCause Caused by bacteria

Treatment Requires specificantibacterial treatmentavailable only byprescription

Vaginal itchinglburningis usually present

Once diagnosed by a healthcare professional, recurrentinfections can be treated withover-the-counter products For more informa-

tion about BV, callor write:Vaginal odor could be a sign of bacterial infection

Before you treat yourself for a yeast infection, careful/lyconsider your symptoms. BV is usually associated wi hunpleasant vaginal odor and a thin, milky discharge.Yeast symptoms are different, as can be seen in thechart above.

'In the past, Bacterial vaginosis was known as Cardnerella vaginitis,Haemophilus vaginitis, or non-specific vaginitis.

10/95 CURPAD

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l-BOO-4BV-NEWSlJ tel" /"T\.~ Curatek Pharmaceuticalsura n ® I~ ® 1965 Pratt Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Makers ofM -troGel-Vagina/®(metronidazole vaginal gel)0.75% Va inol Gel