Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that occurs when bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis are present in the vagina in greater than normal amounts. This changes the normal bacterial balance in the vagina and causes bacterial vaginosis.

How common is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in women aged 15-44.

How is bacterial vaginosis spread?

The cause of bacterial vaginosis and how it develops are not known. Bacterial vaginosis rarely affects women who have never had sex. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with an imbalance between the “good” and “harmful” bacteria in the vagina. Having a new partner or more than one partner, as well as douching, can disrupt the bacterial balance in the vagina. This increases the risk of getting bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is not spread by toilet seats, bedding or swimming pools.

How can I prevent bacterial vaginosis?

There is no known way to prevent the disease, but the likelihood of getting it can be reduced with some precautions. These are:

1. Choosing a monogamous relationship
2. Not douching
3. Using a condom every time you have sex.
4. A thin white or gray vaginal discharge;
5. Pain, itching or burning in the vagina;
6. A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex;
7. Burning when urinating;
8. Itching outside the vagina

If you have sex with a person infected with HIV, it may increase your chance of getting HIV

If you are HIV positive, you may increase the chance of passing HIV to your sex partner;

If you get bacterial vaginosis while pregnant, your risk of giving birth to a low-birth-weight baby and of preterm birth may increase.

It may increase your chance of getting other sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, and these bacteria can sometimes lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it difficult or impossible to have a child.

How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be made by a gynecological examination and laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal discharge. You can have a Sexual Health screening at our laboratory.

Can bacterial vaginosis be treated?

If bacterial vaginosis has no symptoms, it may sometimes resolve without treatment. However, if you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, you need to be examined and treated. Even if the symptoms go away, it is important to take all of the prescribed medication. Treatment may also reduce the risk of some sexually transmitted infections. Treating the male partner may reduce recurrence in recurrent bacterial vaginosis (2025 study); talk to your doctor.

What happens if bacterial vaginosis is not treated?

If bacterial vaginosis is not treated, it can lead to serious health risks:

I am pregnant. How does bacterial vaginosis affect my baby?

Pregnant women can get bacterial vaginosis. Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis have an increased risk of giving birth to a premature (preterm) or low-birth-weight baby. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women.

How do I know if I have bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis often has no symptoms.