Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

How do you get it?

BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly good bacteria and fewer harmful ones. BV develops when there is a change in the conditions within the vagina that causes an increase in the harmful bacteria.

This change in conditions can be caused by having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, douching, or using an intrauterine device.

Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them.

Symptoms

Symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge that is white or gray with an unpleasant fish-like odor, burning during urination, and itching around the outside of the vagina.

Complications

Having BV can increase a woman's chances of getting HIV and other STD's, passing HIV to others if infected, and developing PID.

Testing/Diagnosis

A doctor must examine the vagina for signs of BV and perform lab tests on a sample of vaginal fluid to look for the bacteria.

Treatment

BV can be treated with medicines prescribed by a doctor. Two different antibiotics are recommended as treatment: metronidazole or clindamycin. BV can recur after treatment.

Resources: Heritage House '76, Inc.