Bacterial Vaginosis
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition when certain bacteria in the vagina has overgrowth, causing a change in the balance of the vagina bacteria.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV for short, is a common vaginal condition that happens when there’s an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in your vagina. Normally, your vagina hosts a mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria living in harmony. But when certain bacteria multiply too much—especially a type called Gardnerella vaginalis—the balance tips, causing an infection known as BV.
BV is one of the most common vaginal infections affecting women, particularly those between ages 15 and 44. It’s more frequent in sexually active women, though it can affect anyone with a vagina.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
The main culprit behind BV is the overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, a type of bacteria naturally present in the vagina but harmful when it grows unchecked.
Other bacteria, like Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma species, may also play a role. These bacteria can alter the vaginal environment, especially the pH level, which normally stays slightly acidic (around 3.8 to 4.5) to keep things balanced.
Several factors can disturb this delicate balance, including:
- New or multiple sexual partners — introducing new bacteria
- Douching — which washes away healthy bacteria
- Hormonal changes — such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or from birth control
- Smoking
- Using scented soaps or feminine hygiene sprays
What Are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Good news: many women with BV don’t have any symptoms at all. But when symptoms do appear, they might include:
- Thin, watery, or grayish-white vaginal discharge
- A strong, unpleasant “fishy” odor, especially after sex
- Burning sensation during urination
- Itching or irritation around the vulva
Since BV symptoms can be similar to other infections, getting a proper diagnosis is important.
Why Is It Important to Treat BV?
If left untreated, BV can increase your risk of catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including:
BV can also lead to other health complications such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — a serious infection of the reproductive organs
- Pregnancy issues — like miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight
- Infertility
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice any unusual discharge, odor, itching, or burning, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Your healthcare provider will typically take a vaginal swab to test for BV and rule out other infections.
Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, either oral or topical. Most of the time, male partners don’t need treatment since BV isn’t classified as a traditional STI, but female partners might be at risk and should consider testing.
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