What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
- A common condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria
- BV is not a sexually transmitted disease
How do you get BV?
- Cause is not completely understood
- Develops when there is an increase in certain bacteria normally found in the vagina
Some common activities or behaviors that disrupt the normal balance include:
- New partners
- Multiple partners
- Periods that are heavy and long
- Semen
- Condom use
- Certain lubricants or spermicides
- Douching
- Certain forms of birth control
- You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools
- Women who have never had sex may also be affected
Pregnancy Complications
Can put pregnant women at risk for a preterm delivery or low birth weight
Treatment
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- Sometimes BV will clear up without treatment
- Generally, male partners do not need to be treated
- Treatment is important for pregnant women
- Treated with antibiotics
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Symptoms
- Vaginal discharge that is usually white or gray
- Fish-like odor noticed especially after intercourse
- May have burning with urination or itching around the outside of the vagina
- Most women report no signs or symptoms
Complications
- Usually causes not complications
- Associated with an increase in developing an infection after surgery such as a hysterectomy
- Can increase susceptibility to other STDs such as herpes simplex, Chlamydia or gonorrhea
- Can infect the uterus and fallopian tubes
Diagnosis
Laboratory samples of the discharge are examined
Prevention
- The best way to prevent BV may vary from person to person
- Abstinence since BV is known to be associated with new sex partners or multiple sex partners
- Limit the number of sex partners
- Do not douche
- Use all medication as prescribed by your health care provider
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