Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection which arises with overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is not like with other vaginal infections where pathogenic microorganisms infiltrate the vagina and injure the tissue. Instead bacterial vaginosis arises when the various types of naturally-occurring bacteria (vaginal flora) multiply excessively. There are several species of bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria are usually harmless and necessary because it prevents other dangerous bacteria and yeasts from infecting the vagina. However the population of these bacteria need to be carefully controlled or it can pose a problem to the vagina.
Toxic shock syndrome is a very serious bacterial infection though it is not very common, it is an infection that is more commonly associated with the use of tampons during a woman’s period but it can also occur through use of the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm methods of contraception. Cleanliness is the major prevention of the disease with hand washing being essential to help prevent the disease.
There are two different types of toxic shock syndrome; the first is caused by bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus and this is the form which is most commonly associated with tampon use. Exactly why this happens isn’t quite clear but it is thought that high absorbency tampons provide a warm moist home in which the bacteria is known to thrive.
