Mardh et al eds. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, , Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Bacterial Vaginosis BV. Section Navigation.
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Any woman can get bacterial vaginosis. Having bacterial vaginosis can increase your chance of getting an STD. STDs Home Page. See Also Pregnancy Reproductive Health. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. One in three women will get bacterial vaginosis BV , the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge, at some time in their life.
However, many women do not know what it is, and can confuse the symptoms for other conditions, such as thrush. Although the causes of BV are not very well understood, it develops when the normal environment of the vagina changes, when there are less of the normal bacteria lactobacilli , an overgrowth of other types of bacteria, and the vagina becomes more alkaline.
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can develop after sex, and any woman might get it including those in same sex relationships and those who have never had sex. Activities that can put women at increased risk of BV include having sex with a new partner or multiple partners, using medicated or perfumed soaps, using strong detergents to wash your underwear, oral sex, douching rinsing inside the vagina or using vaginal deodorant or washes, and smoking.
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, semen in the vagina after sex without a condom, an intrauterine contraceptive device and genetic factors may also play a part. Around half of women with BV will not have any signs and symptoms at all, or may not be aware of them.
It is not usually associated with soreness, itching or irritation. Boric acid poses some serious risks. If taken by mouth, it can lead to poisoning and even death. If you have sex with a person who has a penis, exposure to semen can disrupt your vaginal flora. According to a study , semen exposure was associated with an increased incidence of BV. According to research , saliva can transfer bacteria into the vagina that could lead to a bacterial overgrowth, creating an environment for BV to flourish.
When vaginal pH is too high—that is, too basic or alkaline—it may encourage the growth of bacteria associated with BV. One way to prevent your vaginal pH from becoming too alkaline is by using gels that contain lactic acid. Healthy lactobacilli bacteria plays a role in maintaining vaginal pH and preventing infections such as BV.
A clinical trial found that taking oral Lactobacillus after antibiotic treatment for BV may prevent reinfection. Although more research is required, the results show promise. Lactobacilli can be found in several OTC probiotic supplements. It can also be found in probiotic food products, such as yogurt. Although stress is unavoidable, too much of it can negatively affect your health in many ways, including the health of your vagina.
In fact, a study points to a connection between high levels of the stress hormone cortisol and BV. There are a variety of healthy ways to manage stress and to prevent cortisol from affecting your vaginal pH — not to mention your overall health and well-being.
Some effective stress management activities include:. Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection that most often affects sexually active people who have vaginas. When it does cause symptoms, they can include a fishy-smelling discharge, and vaginal itching and irritation. Although antibiotics can help treat BV, it often comes back. You can lower your risk of recurring infections by addressing your vaginal hygiene and pH, and using condoms if you have sex with a person who has a penis.
Using OTC gels and supplements and reducing your stress levels may also help keep recurring infections at bay. Bacterial vaginosis BV and yeast infections are both common forms of vaginitis. While the symptoms are often the same or similar, the underlying…. Can men get or spread bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in the vagina.
It is a common condition in pregnant women.
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