HEALTH EDUCATION

Bacterial Vaginosis

What it is
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that results from the overgrowth of certain bacteria. BV is not always sexually transmitted, but its’ symptoms can appear similar to other sexually transmitted infections. Some women have no symptoms at all, but BV can be accompanied by itching, discharge, or pain during urination.

How it’s spread
Doctors aren’t sure what causes BV or how it’s spread, but some causes might be douching, using an IUD (intrauterine device), a new sex partner, or having more than one sex partner.

How it’s treated
An exam and a lab test can detect the bacteria associated with BV, and it is treated with antibiotics. It can also clear up without treatment.

It’s important for pregnant women who have had symptoms of BV to be checked and treated.

How it’s prevented
You can reduce the risk of getting BV by abstaining from sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, and not douching.

If you’ve been treated for BV, be sure and take all the medicine your clinician prescribes, even after symptoms clear up.

What it does
There are no serious complications from BV, but having it while pregnant may increase the risk of complications.

BV can also increase the risk of other STIs, like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV, as well as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) following procedures like abortion or hysterectomy.

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