Bacterial vaginosis - not to be confused with candidiasis (yeast infection) or Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis) which are not caused by bacteria - is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora (the usual bacteria found in a woman's vagina). Smoking and the use of some hygiene products are linked to a higher risk of developing BV.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, approximately 12% to 30% of adult women in the UK may be affected; about 20% of pregnant women in the UK are affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA, estimates that about 16% of US women are affected.
Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes be asymptomatic - about 50% of women with BV have no symptoms at all. Doctors say treatment is not required if the woman is found to have BV, but has no symptoms. Sometimes BV can appear and disappear for no reason.
Even though antibiotic medication is effective in up to 90% of cases, 25% of women will develop BV again within four weeks.
A pregnant woman with BV has a slightly higher risk of complications, such as giving birth before the 37th week of pregnancy.
According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:
Bacterial vaginosis is "infection of the human vagina that may be caused by anaerobic bacteria, especially by Mobiluncus species or by Gardnerella vaginalis. Characterized by excessive, sometimes malodorous, discharge."
Written by Christian Nordqvist Medical News Today
