Bacterial vaginosis information available

Are you educating your patients on the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV)? According to a new survey, 80% of women don't recognize BV's symptoms, and 70% self-treat vaginal infections with over-the-counter medications before calling a health professional.

Only half of the 301 women surveyed said their health care providers even screened for vaginal infections during routine exams, and one-third of the women said providers failed to ask about unusual vaginal discharge or odor, two typical signs of infection.

The survey was released by the American Social Health Association in Research Triangle Park, NC, and the 3M National Vaginitis Association, supported by 3M Pharmaceuticals of St. Paul, MN.

The 3M National Vaginitis Association offers both provider and patient information on BV. For materials, call the toll-free number, (800) 4BV-NEWS, e-mail [email protected], or write to P.O. Box 2038, Murray Hill Station, New York, NY 10156.