Bacterial vaginosis, or BV for short, is an infection that happens when there’s an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Vaginas have a mix of good and bad bacteria, but when there is an increase in the bad bacteria, it can cause BV. It’s the most common vaginal infection for women between 15 and 44 years old.
Now, BV isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI), meaning you don’t get it from having unprotected sex. It’s more common in sexually active women, but it can also happen to women who haven’t had sex. Even though it’s not an STI, it’s important to treat it, especially if you’re pregnant, to help protect both you and your baby.
In fact, untreated UTIs and BV during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications like preterm birth.
Activities such as douching (which is when you clean inside the vagina with water or other fluids) or having multiple sexual partners may mess with the balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to BV.
When harmful bacteria, like Gardnerella and Prevotella, start to grow too much, they replace the good bacteria, like lactobacillus, that usually keep things in balance. When this happens, BV will most likely develop.
During pregnancy, BV can be a little more common, affecting anywhere from 10% to 30% of pregnant women.
Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
If you have bacterial vaginosis (BV), you might not always notice something’s wrong, but there are a few things to look out for if you think you might have it. Symptoms include discomfort or irritation, while other signs may involve unusual discharge or a rash.
For BV, many women don’t have any symptoms at all. But if you do experience symptoms, you might notice:
- White or gray discharge from the vagina.
- A strong, fishy odor, especially after sex.
- Itching or burning in or around the vagina.
- A burning feeling when you urinate.
Risk Factors for Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs due to an imbalance in the vagina’s natural bacteria. Several factors can increase the risk of developing BV. Common risk factors include:
Having new sex partners
If you’re with a new partner, it can change the balance of bacteria in your vagina, which can make you more prone to BV.
Having more than one sex partner
The more sex partners you have, the higher the chances of your vagina being exposed to different bacteria, which can lead to an imbalance.
Douching
This means using water or other liquids to clean the inside of your vagina. While it might seem like it’s cleaning you out, it can actually mess with the good bacteria and make it easier for bad bacteria to take over.
Pregnancy
The natural balance of bacteria in the vagina can be disrupted by the major hormonal and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Monitoring BV during pregnancy is especially crucial since, if ignored, it can raise the risk of problems like low birth weight, premature labor, or postpartum infections. It’s critical to keep an eye out for symptoms throughout pregnancy and to see your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment.
African-American descent
Studies have shown that African-American women are more likely to get BV than women from other racial groups. In fact, it’s about twice as common in African-American women compared to Caucasian women.
Using an intrauterine device (IUD)
If you’re using an IUD for birth control, especially if it causes irregular bleeding, you might be at a higher risk for BV. An IUD is a small device placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy, but it can sometimes affect the balance of bacteria in your vagina.
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