by EBSCO Medical Review Board

Definition

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina. Early treatment can lower the risk of problems.

Vagina
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Causes

Bacteria can always be found in the vagina. An infection happens when the bacteria are out of balance. This lets unhealthy bacteria grow and spread. It is not always known why this happens.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

  • Having a new sex partner or more than partner
  • Having sex without a condom
  • Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
  • Smoking
  • Douching

Symptoms

Some women will not have symptoms. Others may have:

  • Pain, itching, or burning of the vagina
  • A burning feeling while urinating
  • A fish-like odor, especially after sex

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked about your sexual history. A physical and pelvic exam will be done.

Vaginal fluid may be tested to look for signs of infection.

Treatment

The infection will be treated with antibiotic pills or creams.

Prevention

The risk of this health problem may be lowered by:

  • Abstaining from sex
  • Limiting sex to one partner
  • Not using douches
  • Using latex condoms during sex

RESOURCES

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  http://www.acog.org 

Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services  http://www.womenshealth.gov 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Sexuality and U—The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada  http://www.sexualityandu.ca 

Women's Health Matters  http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca 

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Vaginitis in Nonpregnant Patients: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 215. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;135(1):e1-e17.

Bacterial vaginosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/BV/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm. Updated February 16, 2017. Accessed December 11, 2017.

Bacterial vaginosis. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at: http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/bacterial-vaginosis.html. Accessed February 23, 2021.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bacterial-vaginosis-bv. Accessed February 23, 2021.

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