Stat: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among women of childbearing age (15-45). However, half the women who meet clinical criteria for BV have no symptoms.

What is it exactly? Bacterial Vaginosis reflects a change in the vaginal environment. An imbalance, including pH changes, occurs in the vagina when different types of bacteria outnumber the normal and healthy bacteria. There's no one type of bacteria which are always responsible: any number of different bacteria can cause BV.

Douching can increase the risk of acquiring BV. The cause of this disruption in the balance of the vaginal flora is not fully understood since BV is not always sexually transmitted. However, women who are sexually active run a high risk of developing the condition, as do those with multiple partners or who have changed partners recently. BV is also one of the more common infections among lesbian women.

About how many people have it? Statistics are elusive, but it is assumed that over 2 million women in America have BV at any given time.

How is it spread? Anytime you introduce different bacteria to the vaginal environment. This can be achieved through vaginal or anal intercourse, manual sex, shared sex toys, vaginal intercourse wearing a condom that was also used for anal intercourse or such nonsexual activities such as wiping improperly after a bowel movement or the use of antibiotics.

What are its symptoms? The main symptom of BV is often a creamy greyish-white, odorous vaginal discharge. Sudden increases in discharge that do not seem to pass within a handful of days or which isn't related to the appropriate fertility phase can often be common with BV. A fish-like odor is sometimes noticeable especially after intercourse or exercise. Nearly half of the women with clinical signs of BV, however, report no symptoms.

How is it diagnosed? By an examination of a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope, either stained or in special lighting, to detect the presence of the organisms associated with BV. Diagnosis is based on the absence of lactobacilli, the presence of numerous "clue cells" (cells from the vaginal lining that are coated with BV organisms), a fishy odour, and/or decreased acidity or change in pH of vaginal fluid.

Is it treatable? Yes. Women can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin. Generally, male sex partners are not treated.

Is it curable? Yes, but you can contract it again.

Can it effect fertility? BV is associated with premature delivery, low birth weight, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Can it cause death? Not by itself, no. But bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk for HIV infection for which there is no cure and which can lead to AIDS and other fatal illnesses. Pregnant women with BV run higher risks of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester.

How can we protect against it? Avoid activities which could lead to the introduction of the bacteria to the vagina (unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, unprotected manual sex, vaginal intercourse wearing a condom that was also used for anal intercourse - read how to use a condom) and practice proper hygiene (wipe from front to back after urinating or bowel movements, do not douche). Limit your number of sexual partners.

Related Books

The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Bacterial Vaginosis: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age author: Icon Health Publications asin: 0597832854