Bacterial Vaginosis
BV is a condition caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. Until recently, BV was not considered a sexually transmissible infection (STI). However, new research indicates that it can often be sexually transmitted, or develop on its own.
BV appears to be more common in sexually active people, and is also associated with increased risk of acquiring other STI, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes (HSV2) and HIV. BV is not the same as a yeast infection (thrush), which is a fungal infection.
Understanding BV
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BV is an imbalance where harmful bacteria outnumber good bacteria in the vagina. This can be triggered by things like antibiotics, stress, hormone changes or things that alter the vagina’s acid levels, like soaps and fragrances.
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BV is treatable but is known to reoccur after treatment, where people with vaginas have often been exposed to repeated courses of antibiotics and still have a high rate of recurrence.
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Recent research has found that BV can also be sexually transmitted, and that sexual transmission is often responsible for recurring cases. It has also been established that treating partners with penises for BV has significantly reduced the rate of BV recurrence.
Signs and symptoms
About 50% of people with vaginas who have BV do not have any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they usually develop within four days of a change in vaginal pH.