Student Health Center
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Fact Sheet
- MaryAnne Cristodero
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of the bacteria. A women’s vagina normally contains many different kinds of bacteria. In women with BV, the natural balance of normal healthy bacteria is replaced by an overgrowth of certain other bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
What causes BV?
Not much is known about how women get BV. However, there seem to be associated risk factors that may upset the balance of normal bacteria for the development of BV:
Having multiple or new sexual partners
Not using condoms
Douching
Cigarette smoking
Any woman can develop BV, including those who have never had intercourse. BV is not caused by towels, toilet seats, bed linens, or swimming pools.
What are the symptoms of BV?
Most women with BV have no symptoms. Those women, who have symptoms, may experience the following:
Watery, white, or grey discharge instead of normal vaginal secretions
Strong or unpleasant odor from the vagina which can be “fishy smelling”, especially post intercourse
Burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both
Experiencing pain during urination or intercourse, redness, and swelling are not typical.
How can I find out if I have BV?
The diagnosis of BV may be made based on:
Physical examination which includes a pelvic examination to obtain a vaginal fluid sample
Testing the pH of the vaginal fluid
Microscopic examination of the vaginal fluid by your healthcare provider and/or a vaginal swab sent out to a laboratory for testing
What is the treatment for BV?
Treatment of BV is usually recommended. There are two prescription antibiotic medications used for the treatment of BV. Both medications can be taken in pill form by mouth, or with a vaginal gel or cream. Oral medication may be more convenient but can cause more adverse effects. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms go away after a few days. Talk to your healthcare provider for the best treatment for you. If symptoms improve after treatment, a follow-up visit is not necessary.
Even after treatment, some women with BV will get the condition again within 3-12 months. It is not clear why this occurs, although it may be related to bacteria that were not completely treated or lack of balance of the normal healthy vaginal bacteria. If this should happen, talk with your healthcare provider.
How is BV spread?
BV does not usually spread to male sex partners. Treating the male partner of an infected woman does not seem to reduce the risk of recurrence. BV can spread between female sex partners. Female partners of infected women are at increased risk, so screening for BV and treatment (if required) is recommended.
What are the complications of BV?
If left untreated, BV may cause the following complications:
Increased risk of becoming infected with STIs such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
Increased risk of becoming infected with and spreading HIV to your partner
BV infection can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can damage women’s reproductive organs which may lead to difficulty becoming pregnant.
Pregnant women with BV are at higher risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight
Increased risk of infection with gynecological surgeries
How can I lower my risk of BV?
Wash your private areas daily with mild soap and water
When going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back
Wear cotton or cotton-lined undergarments and avoid tight pants
Do not douche (douching can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria and potentially flush harmful bacteria into the upper genital tracts-uterus and fallopian tubes)
Finish all prescribed medicine to treat BV, even if symptoms go away
Be faithful to your partner
If you decide to be sexually active, limit the number of sexual partners
Use condoms every time you have intercourse
Avoid alcohol and drugs, being under the influence makes it much harder to remember to use condoms to protect yourself and others
Have regular pelvic exams with your healthcare provider or gynecologist and discuss how often you need exams, as well as STI testing
For more information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov
Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health: http://www.womenshealth.gov
