Latest news with #BV
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- General
- NZ Herald
BV or thrush? Know the difference
Your symptoms could mean you need a different treatment to what you thought. While many women are familiar with the dreaded itch 'down there', vaginal thrush isn't the only infection to affect our intimate area – and knowing the difference is imperative. Another common culprit is bacterial vaginosis, or 'BV': a condition caused by an imbalance between the 'good' and 'bad' bacteria that naturally occur within the vagina in women of childbearing age. Women can often mistake BV for thrush, but these are two distinct infections that should be treated differently. Here's what you need to know. What are the symptoms and how do I tell them apart? Although both vaginal thrush and BV can cause unusual discharge, it differs in appearance depending on which condition you have. Thrush can produce an odourless, thick, white discharge, while BV will typically cause a thin, greyish-white discharge. But the key distinction is that women with BV may experience a strong, 'fishy' odour, while thrush is typically odourless. BV's unpleasant odour is its most common symptom and usually sets it apart from other vaginal infections, such as thrush. It's important women understand the differences so they can be treated properly. How can I treat bacterial vaginosis? In Aotearoa New Zealand, Fleurstat BVgel is the only over-the-counter product available for the treatment and rapid relief of BV symptoms. This non-antibiotic, vaginal gel is clinically proven to help relieve symptoms such as discharge and odour, starting to work within 24 hours. It comes with an easy-to-use vaginal applicator and is available without a prescription from the pharmacy. Catherine Burns, the Marketing Manager at Aspen New Zealand, says Fleurstat is a non-antibiotic treatment that many women may prefer, as it is available from pharmacies without a prescription so it may be a convenient option. The product is designed to disrupt the attachment of BV causing bacteria to the vaginal wall, allowing the good bacteria to replenish and normalise the vagina's pH. One full applicator is applied into the vagina daily, preferably at bedtime, for seven days. It's important to complete the seven-day treatment course. Burns says that as a doctor's prescription isn't required, Fleurstat may be a more accessible option for women. 'Women experiencing embarrassing BV symptoms such as unpleasant odour or discharge can simply go to their local pharmacy, and ask if Fleurstat is right for them,' she says. 'Fleurstat provides rapid relief of BV symptoms, starting to work within 24 hours. It's an easy to use, clinically proven, treatment.' Fleurstat retails from about $45. Recurrent BV Fleurstat BV gel can be used (when you don't have symptoms) to help prevent recurrent BV and it's symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. However, please see your doctor if you have recurrent BV. Changing certain hygiene habits can also help prevent BV. Using soapy water, perfumed products or other products to clean inside the vagina may increase the risk of getting BV so experts recommend washing the area with warm water only. And while BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), certain sexual activities such as having multiple partners or engaging in unprotected sex, may increase the risk of BV. When should I see my doctor? If you are unsure whether you have BV, suspect you have recurrent BV, another vaginal infection or if you think you may be at risk of an STI, always consult your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your BV symptoms persist after seven days or recur within two weeks of finishing treatment. Fleurstat (Astodrimer Sodium 1% w/w) is a vaginal gel used for the treatment and relief of bacterial vaginosis and prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis and its symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. Always read the instructions and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. See your doctor for prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Distributed by Aspen New Zealand C/O Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2025 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. VivaGel® is a registered trademark of Starpharma Pty Ltd, 4-6 Southampton Crescent, Abbotsford, VIC 3067 Australia. TAPS BG5017 MAY 2025
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Olneyville New York System applies for liquor licenses
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Want to enjoy a craft beer — or perhaps a coffee milk cocktail — with your hot wiener? The new owners of Olneyville New York System have applied for permits to sell alcoholic beverages at the restaurant's Providence and Cranston locations. Heritage Restaurant Group, which purchased the restaurant from fourth-generation owners Greg Stevens and Stephanie Stevens Turini in February, told 12 News, 'We are applying for a BV alcoholic beverage license to offer beer and a signature coffee milk cocktail, all to be served responsibly.' 'We believe that offering beer and coffee milk alongside our iconic wieners, burgers, and fries is a natural extension of Rhode Island's rich culinary culture and is an American staple,' Vice President of Hospitality Brad Head continued. BACKGROUND: Olneyville New York System sold to Heritage Restaurant Group At a meeting of Cranston's Safety Services and Licenses Committee on May 5, the committee voted unanimously to approve the restaurant's application for a Class BV Liquor License, which will be issued once Olneyville New York System provides a certificate from the state Department of Health. (The attorney representing Heritage was quick to assure City Councilor Andy Andujar that coffee milk will remain on the menu.) In Providence, the matter was raised at a May 29 Board of Licenses meeting and postponed until June 12. A city spokesperson told 12 News the Board 'wants additional details to be submitted so that the scope and nature of the liquor service can be clearly documented and included in the official record,' and is requiring Olneyville New York System to provide specifics on where the bar and liquor service areas will be located, as well as an updated business plan with provisions for alcohol storage, sales, and service. Jose Moya, a Providence resident who says he remembers when hot wieners were 'three for $1,' told 12 News he's in favor of Olneyville adding beer to the menu. 'It's a very good idea. In the summertime especially, it's going to be good with the food,' Moya said. 'Why not?' Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aamir Khan talks about his red flags in relationships, recalls making ex-wife Kiran Rao cry: ‘Whenever I was hurt or heartbroken..'
Aamir Khan , often called 'Mr Perfectionist' in Bollywood, has always impressed fans with his dedication to his work. But off-screen, the actor has also started opening up more about his personal life and past mistakes. In a recent chat with podcaster Raj Shamani, Aamir spoke honestly about the emotional challenges he faced in his marriage with filmmaker Kiran Rao . Letting his guard down, the 'Lagaan' actor reflected on moments that still haunt him, especially one where he admitted to unintentionally hurting Kiran so deeply that she broke down in tears. 'Being a workaholic was a red flag' When asked if he had shown any red flags in his relationships, Aamir didn't hold back. He admitted that being a 'workaholic' was one of his biggest faults. He shared that in the earlier stages of his life, he was completely consumed by work. Emotional immaturity, he said, often took control of him. Aamir revealed that whenever he felt emotionally hurt, he would completely withdraw. He said he would not speak to anyone for days and explained, 'Whenever I was hurt or heartbroken, I would shut down completely—like the shutters would come down all around me. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Realize planos com o banco BV Banco BV Saiba Mais Undo After that, it was impossible for anyone to reach me.' 'I was so hurt, I stopped talking to Kiran' The 'PK' actor recalled a specific disagreement he had with Kiran Rao, saying it was a typical husband-wife argument. He admitted he didn't even remember what it was about anymore, but it had affected him deeply at the time. He felt so hurt that he completely shut down. Even though they were sharing the same house, sleeping in the same room, and even on the same bed, he refused to properly speak to her. He said he only gave her short, curt replies. He described this as his indirect way of showing her that he was unhappy. Four days passed, and one night, Kiran tried to speak to him again. But Aamir still wasn't ready to respond. That's when she broke down in front of him. He remembered her words clearly as she cried and said, 'Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ki main kya karoon, aap toh bilkul respond hi nahi kar rahe ho.' 'Deep hurt… ego is the right word for it' The '3 Idiots' actor admitted that even though he knew the situation had gone too far, he was still held back by a mix of emotions. He said the main reason he couldn't make peace was his ego. 'Deep hurt… ego is a very right word for that,' he said. He confessed that he wanted to make things better, but emotionally, he wasn't in the right place to take the first step. It was only much later, through therapy, that he began to realise this pattern in himself. He called it a red flag—his inability to forgive when he felt deeply hurt. Sitaare Zameen Par | Song - Sar Aankhon Pe Mere Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sexualized image isn't ‘intimate' if it's already been shared publicly, B.C. tribunal finds
A woman seeking compensation for the non-consensual sharing of intimate images has had her case dismissed by a B.C tribunal which found she had no 'reasonable expectation of privacy.' The woman, referred to as 'AQ' was seeking $5,000 in damages, which is the limit available through the Civil Resolution Tribunal. The respondent, referred to as 'BV,' did not deny sharing the image of AQ in a blog post. No details about the image in question are provided, but tribunal vice-chair Eric Regehr found it 'clearly' met some of the criteria of an intimate image, as outlined in the province's Intimate Images Protection Act. Namely, he said it showed 'AQ engaging in a sexual act, nude or nearly nude, or exposing her genitals, anal region, or breasts.' But the legislation's definition of an intimate image is two-fold, Regehr's decision noted. The second part of the test is whether someone 'had a reasonable expectation of privacy at the time the images were recorded, and also when they were shared.' The case was complicated by the fact that AQ had shared the image herself on a 'major social networking site,' according to Regehr. 'AQ said this post was inadvertent, but I did not accept that evidence. I found that the post was intentional,' the decision said. Finding AQ had published the image, the tribunal had to weigh whether there was a reasonable expectation of privacy in the case. AQ argued the harmful impact of the image's sharing ought to be considered and that 'she is the subject of often vicious online harassment from multiple people, including BV, who frequently use the image as part of offensive posts,' according to the decision. Regehr acknowledged that one of the purposes of the legislation is 'to promote individual autonomy over their intimate images with a view to reducing harm.' But he also found an image does not meet the legal threshold of being 'intimate' if there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. 'I find that a reasonable person understands that by posting something broadly on the internet, such as in a publicly viewable social media post, they have functionally lost all control over it. They have offered it for the entire world to see,' he wrote. 'This is an action inconsistent with reasonably expecting privacy in the image in the future. I find that by posting an image in a public online place, an individual forfeits any reasonable expectation of privacy over that image. It does not matter how graphic the image is, how much they later regret posting it, or how upsetting it is to see it resurface.' AQ's complaint was dismissed on those grounds. The tribunal also considered an allegation about a second explicit image, but found no evidence it was shared by BV. A counterclaim from BV, alleging AQ shared a nude photo of them on social media, was also dismissed, with the tribunal finding insufficient evidence that AQ was the one behind the anonymous social media account that shared it. The province introduced the IIPA in 2023, the Civil Resolution Tribunal the jurisdiction to address these types of claims to provide an alternative to the more difficult, lengthy and potentially costly options of trying to pursue redress through criminal or civil court.
Health Line
22-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Everything You Need to Know About Your Vaginal pH Balance
Your vaginal pH is a key indication of your overall vaginal health. A balanced pH is usually between 3.8 and 4.2, but it can vary with age and where you are in your menstrual cycle. pH is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. The scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH of less than 7 is considered acidic, a pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH of more than 7 is basic. A 'normal' vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.2, which is moderately acidic. However, what constitutes a 'normal' pH level can vary slightly based on your stage of life. For example, during your reproductive years (ages 15–49), your vaginal pH should be below or equal to 4.5. But before menstruation and after menopause, a healthy pH tends to be higher than 4.5. An acidic vaginal environment is protective. It creates a barrier that prevents unhealthy bacteria and yeast from multiplying too quickly. How do you know if your vaginal pH is imbalanced? Usually, a sign of an underlying pH imbalance is when you experience an unexpected change in odor that lingers after bathing or an odor that occurs alongside other unusual symptoms. A healthy vulva and vagina can smell somewhat salty, sweet, or musky. You might notice a more metallic smell around your menstrual period. But if your vaginal area smells fishy or otherwise foul, it's usually an indicator of BV. Other symptoms that can indicate an underlying pH imbalance include: an uptick in vaginal discharge itching in or around the vagina pain during or after penetrative sex pain or burning during urination a change in texture a change in color What can happen if your vaginal pH is off or unbalanced? Disrupting the natural acidity of your vagina can cause discomfort and may even lead to infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), for example, can develop in response to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. This can increase vaginal pH levels, making the vagina more alkaline. BV is the most common vaginal infection in the United States. BV isn't necessarily harmful in itself, but people who have this condition have an increased risk of developing more serious infections, such as: chlamydia gonorrhea herpes simplex virus type 2, which can cause both oral and genital herpes HIV HPV Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are the one of the most common vaginal infection in the United States. They can cause vaginal pH levels to decrease, making the vagina more acidic. An acidic environment typically doesn't increase the risk of infection or disease. But it can affect your ability to become pregnant during penis-in-vagina sex. Sperm thrive in an alkaline environment. The optimal pH for sperm to swim is between 7 and 8.5. Sustained acidity can make it difficult for sperm to reach or fertilize an egg. What can cause a pH imbalance in your vagina? Some pH fluctuations are expected. Menstrual blood, for example, is slightly alkaline. When blood flows through the vaginal canal, it increases the overall pH. Antibiotics significantly reduce both harmful and helpful bacteria. This includes the bacteria that cause illness and the bacteria you need to maintain a healthy, more acidic vaginal pH level. Other disruptions are more unpredictable. Solo or partnered sexual activity can affect your vaginal pH with or without vaginal penetration, regardless of whether you use a condom or other barrier method. Exchanging bodily fluids through genital-to-genital and oral-genital contact can encourage the growth of certain bacteria. Fingering can introduce bacteria, as can shared or improperly cleaned sex toys. So-called 'feminine' hygiene products, including scented sprays and suppositories, and practices like douching and steaming can also alter the vagina's natural microbiome (the helpful bacteria that live inside the vagina). What can you do to fix or restore your vaginal pH balance? Certain lifestyle changes can help manage mild irritation. These can include: limiting time spent in damp or wet underwear and clothes washing more frequently staying hydrated If you suspect BV could be to blame, you can use an at-home test to check for infection or make an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms. Although some over-the-counter (OTC) products are marketed as effective BV treatments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any OTC method. Antibiotics aren't always necessary (BV may resolve on its own), but they can help relieve your symptoms and speed up recovery. Your clinician will likely prescribe one of the following: metronidazole, which can be applied topically or taken as a pill clindamycin, which can be applied topically, inserted as a suppository, or taken as a pill tinidazole, which is taken as a pill secnidazole, which is taken as a powder mixed with food You can also use an at-home test to check your overall pH balance. These tests don't check for infection specifically, but the results can help narrow down the potential cause. If you suspect a yeast infection, you may be able to self-treat with OTC products like: antifungal cream antifungal ointment an antifungal suppository More severe cases may benefit from prescription medication like fluconazole (Diflucan). If this is your first yeast infection, it's best to make an appointment with a doctor. What can you do to maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance? Wash your vulva, not your vagina: Your vagina is self-cleaning, but your vulva can use a little help. Wet a washcloth with warm water and gently clean each fold of your external genitalia. Avoid douches and other internal 'cleansers.' Stay dry: Avoid spending extended time in damp underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Wash up, pat yourself dry, and change into something clean and dry as soon as possible. Let your vulva and vagina breathe: Stick to cotton and other breathable materials when selecting underwear. You might also size up on pants, shorts, and other bottoms, or choose clothes with an airy silhouette for a looser fit. Pay attention to how you wipe: Always wipe from front to back to prevent fecal bacteria from spreading to your vagina. Consider your probiotic intake: Probiotics, or helpful bacteria, may help reduce symptoms of BV and prevent recurrent BV infections. Lactobacillus strains, in particular, can help speed up recovery. Practice safer sex: Using a condom or barrier method can help reduce the risk of STIs, and regular STI testing can help you stay on top of your status. When should you consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional? If you're uncomfortable with at-home testing or unsure of your symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. The following symptoms typically require medical intervention: burning, itching, or pain fishy or foul vaginal odor foamy, frothy, or increased vaginal discharge gray, yellow, or green vaginal discharge Your clinician will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and recent sexual activity to help identify the underlying cause. They may perform a pelvic exam and swab inside the vagina to take a fluid sample for lab testing. They may also ask for a urine sample. Frequently asked questions Can you fix your pH balance overnight? It is not possible to balance your vaginal pH overnight. It is not possible to balance your vaginal pH overnight. How do you check your vaginal pH level? You can purchase an OTC test kit to measure the pH of your vaginal secretions, but this typically isn't necessary to detect a yeast infection or BV. Remember, your vaginal pH can fluctuate for a number of reasons. A lower or higher-than-expected pH isn't an automatic indication of infection or that something is wrong. You can purchase an OTC test kit to measure the pH of your vaginal secretions, but this typically isn't necessary to detect a yeast infection or BV. Remember, your vaginal pH can fluctuate for a number of reasons. A lower or higher-than-expected pH isn't an automatic indication of infection or that something is wrong. Is there a natural way to balance your vaginal pH? Eating fermented foods with live probiotics can help increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your body. Probiotic supplements with Lactobacilli may be especially beneficial.
