What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis (BV) isn't known. However, a woman's chance of developing BV is increased by using douches and by having multiple sexual partners.

BV is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Just like the digestive system has both good and bad bacteria, so does the vagina. Sometimes a bacterial imbalance can lead to a yeast infection since having less of the helpful bacteria creates a good breeding ground for yeast to grow. BV is caused in a similar fashion, though in this case the lack of good bacteria creates an environment where certain harmful bacteria thrive. The bad bacteria may be in the vagina normally, but when the good bacteria numbers fall the bad bacteria flourishes and outnumbers the good bacteria. This then leads to bacterial vaginosis.

Certain activities have been ruled out as causes of BV. Women cannot contract BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

In many cases, BV causes no serious problems. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and unpleasant though. They may include vaginal itching, burning, discharge, and pain.

Although some women suffer no symptoms or mild symptoms, they should still seek treatment for BV. BV increases a woman's chance of contracting certain sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnant women with BV may have an increased risk for delivering early. Of significant importance is the fact that BV increases the odds a woman can contract HIV if she comes in contact with it as well as increasing the odds that an HIV positive woman can spread HIV to her partner.

To detect BV, a doctor performs a visual examination of the vagina and a lab test of vaginal fluid. The lab test will determine whether or not the bacteria associated with BV are present.

If BV is diagnosed, it can be cured by one of two antibiotics: metronidazole or clindamycin. Both are safe for pregnant women and HIV positive women.

Since the exact cause of BV is unknown, knowing exactly how to prevent it isn't possible. However, the CDC does recommend these tips to lower your odds of contracting BV: "be abstinent, limit the number of sex partners, do not douche, and use all of the medicine prescribed for treatment of BV, even if the signs and symptoms go away."

Although the symptoms of BV are common to other less severe vaginal conditions (such as a yeast infection), you should see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: abnormal discharge (often thin and white or grey); strong, unusual odor (many women report a "fishy" smell, particularly after sex); itching and/or burning in and around the vagina or while urinating.

Sources:

Bacterial Vaginosis- CDC Fact Sheet, http://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm