Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Read about "Microorganisms") It can be accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning.

In the United States, according to CDC, as many as 16 percent of pregnant women have BV. (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy") BV is often found in women who are being treated at STD clinics. (Read about "STD's") However, the exact cause of BV is unclear. CDC says it 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" bacteria. BV develops when there is a change in the environment of the vagina that causes an increase in harmful bacteria. CDC says douching, which alters the acidity of the vagina, is associated with an increased risk of BV.

Symptoms of BV can include:

• abnormal vaginal discharge, usually white or gray (Read about "Vaginal Discharge")
• unpleasant odor
• burning during urination
• itching around the outside of the vagina

A woman may have some or all of these symptoms. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all.

To diagnose BV, a sample of vaginal fluid is examined under a microscope for bacteria or other organisms associated with BV. CDC says many times, BV will clear on its own without complications. In some cases, however, there can be complications. These include:

• Pregnant women with BV more often have babies who are born early or with low birth weight.
• The bacteria that cause BV can sometimes infect the uterus and fallopian tubes. This type of infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). (Read about "Pelvic Inflammatory Disease") PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes enough to increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. (Read about "Infertility") Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
• BV can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV (Read about HIV in "HIV / AIDS") and to STD's, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. (Read about "STD's")

Treatment

Although BV will sometimes clear up without treatment, all women with symptoms of BV should seek professional treatment to avoid complications such as PID. Treatment is particularly important for pregnant women, especially if they have symptoms of BV. BV is treatable with antimicrobial medicines prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important that you let your doctor know whether or not you are pregnant so you can get the correct antibiotic and dose. (Read about "Antibiotics") Keep in mind, too, that BV can recur even after treatment.

Related Information:

    Genital Health - Female

    Urinary Tract Infections