Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of vaginal infections, especially for women of childbearing age.
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Usually bacterial vaginosis is developed after sexual intercourse with a new partner. Although it is most commonly found in women who have sexual intercourse with more than one partner in a short period of time.
Bacterial vaginosis is not the same thing with a yeast infection. The difference between these is that a yeast infection is not cause by the appearance of foreign bacteria, it is cause by bacteria that already exist in a woman’s vagina.
Other factors that can be linked to bacterial vaginosis is smoking as well as the use of some hygiene products. Although there are several things that can cause bacterial vaginosis, there is a great chance (almost 50%) in which it is asymptomatic. This means that there are no symptoms linked to the appearance of bacterial vaginosis.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The most common symptoms include:
- Vaginal discharge can become watery and thin
- Vaginal discharge may become grey or white
- Vaginal discharge may have a strong and unpleasant smell
Possible, but not very common symptoms include:
- Burning during urination
- Itching around the outside of the vagina
What are some possible causes that increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis?
- Douching (using water to clean your genital area)
- Having a bath with antiseptic liquids or scented soaps
- Smoking
- Using vaginal deodorants
- Washing underwear with strong detergents
Do you have bacterial vaginosis (BV)? See if you qualify for Segal Trials Institute’s clinical research study on Bacterial Vaginosis today!
