Bacteria Vaginosis
(BV)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and can cause symptoms like white and thin vaginal discharge; pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; strong fish-like odor; burning when peeing; and itching around the outside of the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is a common, treatable, vaginal condition. BV can increase your chance of getting a STI.
Symptoms
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a disease that happens when there are too many of certain germs in the vagina. This changes the way the germs in the vagina normally live together.
How do you get it?
People who are sexually involved are most likely to get this illness. BV happens when there is not enough "good" bacteria and not enough "bad" bacteria in the vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or more than one sex partner can change the balance of germs in your vaginal area, which can make you more likely to get BV. We don't know how sexual activity causes BV either. There is also no evidence that how a person treats their sex partner changes whether or not they get BV. If you have BV, you're more likely to get other STDs. Few people who have never had sex get BV.
How do you protect yourself?
Taking the following simple steps to avoid getting BV may help lower your chance of getting it:
Not having sex;
Limiting the number of people with whom you have sex;
Not douching, and always using condoms in the right way.
For additional information, visit cdc.gov
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