Bacterial Vaginosis or BV

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Strictly speaking, the medical community is debating whether Bacterial Vaginosis is really an STD. However, we do know that it is associated with having a new sex partner (although women who have never engaged in sexual intercourse can also experience BV), as well as having STDs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HIV and Trichomoniasis. Even though its status as an STD is still debated, because it is associated with having a new sexual partner and other STDs, we thought you would want to know about it. BV is the most common cause of vaginal irritation, and research shows that nearly 1 in 3 women in the U.S. have been diagnosed with BV.

Unfortunately, the cause of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is not clearly understood. The normal vagina has bacteria that are good bacteria. BV is a condition in which there are not enough good bacterial, and this causes harmful bacterial to grow.

Return to Top

How do I know if I have bacterial vaginosis?

Most women with BV have no symptoms at all. Some women with BV may experience abnormal vaginal discharge and unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, more noticeable after sexual intercourse. Some women have a thin vaginal discharge, usually white or gray in color. Other symptoms include burning with urination, and vaginal itching.
Return to Top

How do women get BV and how is it diagnosed?

The cause of BV is not well understood. Both women who have had sexual intercourse and those who have not can get BV. Certain behaviors that can affect the balance of good and harmful bacteria in the vagina can increase a woman’s risk for getting BV. These include:

• Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
• Douching
• Using an IUD for contraception
• Using no contraception
• Not using a barrier method of contraception (e.g., diaphragm)
• Not using a condom
• Having inflammation (swelling) of the vagina or urethra

Although it is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV, we do know that women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them.

BV is diagnosed by examination by a health care provider and by laboratory tests performed on vaginal fluid.
Return to Top

What are the complications of untreated BV?

While most women recover from BV following treatment without problems, if left untreated there are some serious risks. Women with BV are at increased vulnerability to HIV infection if her sexual partner is HIV+, and there is an increased chance of passing HIV to her partner if she is HIV+. Women with BV are also at Increased vulnerability to other STDs such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Herpes. There is also an increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is very serious. It can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. Women with BV are also more likely to develop an infection following gynecological surgeries or procedures, like hysterectomy.

BV is most serious for pregnant women. Women infected with BV may experience premature birth and may have babies with low birth-weight.
Return to Top

What is the treatment for BV?

Although BV will sometimes clear up without treatment, all women with BV should be treated to avoid complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and increased risks for other STDs. BV is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. You can get BV again even if your infection has resolved after treatment.
Return to Top