Bacterial Vaginosis
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria that live in the vagina.
Bacteria called Lactobacilli are usually the most common bacteria that live in the vagina. These bacteria keep the vagina naturally in balance. When there is an overgrowth of other bacteria called anerobic bacteria (Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium), a filmy layer can occur on the vaginal cells that leads to a discharge with odor.
BV is not considered a traditional sexually transmitted infection (STI), but a recently published study by the New England Journal of Medicine offers evidence that sexual activity can cause BV.
What Are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Many people with BV do not experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge (often thin, gray in color)
- Fishy vaginal odor that is especially noticeable after intercourse
- Vaginal itching
- Burning sensation on the outside of the vaginal area during urination
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
BV occurs when there is too much anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, disrupting the balance of good and harmful bacteria.
Factors that may contribute to this imbalance include:
- Sexual activity
- Douching
- Smoking
- STIs
- Low estrogen states
How Can I Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis?
Preventing BV involves maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. Tips include:
- Avoid douching as it disrupts the natural balance of bacteria
- Use condoms
- Only wash on the outside with water with or without a fragrance-free soap
UR Medicine's Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis
Your healthcare provider will diagnose BV through:
- Pelvic examination
- Vaginal pH test
- Microscopic examination
- Whiff test (adding a solution to the discharge to detect specific odor)
- Vaginal swab looking for Gardnerella (shouldn’t be used if not having symptoms or discharge)
BV is typically treated with antibiotics. Common treatments include:
- Metronidazole (by mouth or a gel in the vagina)
- Clindamycin (by mouth or a gel/cream in the vagina)
It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve. Recurrence is very common and follow-up with a healthcare provider may be necessary if symptoms recur.
What Sets Us Apart?
Our providers at UR Medicine are health experts dedicated to your well-being. They actively engage in everything that supports your health, including coordinated patient care, the latest research and treatments, and educating the next generation of top-tier reproductive health providers.
UR Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology is leading the way both regionally and nationally. Our Gynecology division is on the U.S. News & World Report list of the top 50 in the nation. The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) have named Strong Memorial Hospital a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology.
Our care is guided in part by our active and productive research. We receive over $23.9 million in state, national, and private funding for more than 91 projects covering the entire lifespan, so we're on the cutting edge of the latest discoveries.