Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.
The cause of BV is not fully understood. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria, and fewer “harmful” bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.
Not much is known about how women get BV, and any woman can get it, including those who have never had sex. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk. A few of these activities include douching, having a new sexual partner, and/or having multiple sexual partners. Also, sometimes women will get BV after taking a course of antibiotics or medication (medications can sometimes affect the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina).
We do know that women cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them.
There’s not a lot you can do to prevent the infection. Proper hygiene may help, including wiping from front to back during a bowel movement. Since douching can cause BV, it would follow that not douching can help to prevent it. Also, sexual abstinence or limiting the number of your sexual partners can reduce your risk.
If you do get BV, be sure to use all of the medicine prescribed for you, even if the signs and symptoms go away.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm
11. January 2012
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