What is it?
Bacterial vaginosis, commonly known as BV, is a common condition in the vagina that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria present. Women naturally have good and bad bacteria living in the vagina, but when something changes the balance, and there are more bad bacteria than good, the symptoms of BV begin.
According to the CDC, BV is the most common problem in females between the ages of 15 and 44. While BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the condition is more common in those who are sexually active, but it can be present in someone who is not having sex.
If you are experiencing symptoms of BV, you might have:
· An increase in thin discharge
· A fishy odor, especially after sex
· Itching
· Burning with urination is sometimes present
Symptoms are different for each person, so do not wait to get checked out if something is not normal for you.
How did I get it?
BV's exact cause is unknown, but certain things can put you at a greater risk of upsetting the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina. These risk factors include:
· Having a new or multiple sex partners
· Douching or vaginal cleansing
· Not using condoms
· Are pregnant – hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy increase your chances of BV
· Recent antibiotic use
· Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
You cannot get BV from contact with toilet seats, towels, sheets, or swimming pools. You can pass BV to anyone with a vagina by sharing toys, having direct skin contact with your vaginas, or finger penetration. Passing BV to someone with a penis is unlikely, but sex can become uncomfortable for you, if BV symptoms are present.
Test and Treatment
If you have symptoms of BV, it is important to see your healthcare provider for testing and treatment. Your provider can examine you for signs of abnormal discharge and perform a test on the fluid to determine if BV is present.
If treatment is necessary, an antibiotic can be used. These are available as pills to be taken by mouth or a gel or cream that is inserted vaginally. BV often recurs, requiring treatment to be repeated or extended for up to 3 to 6 months.
If you have BV and your partner is male, he does not need to be treated. However, if your partner is female, she should see her provider to determine if treatment is necessary.
Untreated BV can increase your chances of getting other STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
Prevention
You can lower your risk of getting BV by avoiding the use of vaginal sprays and any products that wash out the vagina, limiting the number of sexual partners, and using condoms and/or dental dam. You can also avoid problems by keeping the area cool and dry while wearing cotton underwear.
Conclusion
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a very common condition in women. If abnormal symptoms are present, your provider can examine and test for BV. Treatment is not available over the counter and must be prescribed, as it requires antibiotic therapy. Untreated BV can increase your risk of getting STIs, so early detection, along with practicing measures to prevent further infection, is important.
Sources
Bacterial Vaginosis. National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/
About Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/bacterial-vaginosis/about/index.html
Bacterial Vaginosis. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/254342-overview?form=fpf
Vaginitis. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginitis
Bacterial Vaginosis. Nemours Children’s Health. Kids Health. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bv.html
Bacterial vaginosis. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Office on Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis Is Extremely Common – Here’s What You Need to Know. https://www.healthline.com/health/bacterial-vaginosis#contagiousness
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board