What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
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The vagina normally has a balance of mostly "good" bacteria and fewer "harmful" bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis, known as BV, develops when the balance changes. With BV, there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
This answer is based on source information from The National Women's Health Information Center.
The vagina normally has a balance of mostly "good" bacteria and fewer "harmful" bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis, known as BV, develops when the balance changes. With BV, there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria. BV is... More -
Dr. Kevin Windom answered:Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of the normal bacteria in the vagina. The vagina has bacteria and yeast as part of its normal environment. Normal vaginal pH is about 4.2 (acidic). If the pH of the vagina increases to 5.5 or greater then the normal bacteria in the vagina can grow in excess. If the pH of the vagina decreases to less than 4.2 then yeast can overgrow causing a yeast infection. Blood has a pH of 7.3 on average and many women who have very heavy menses can have a chronic increase in vaginal pH that will predispose them to BV. Decreased estrogen levels as well as an unhealthy diet can also be causes of BV.
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of the normal bacteria in the vagina. The vagina has bacteria and yeast as part of its normal environment. Normal vaginal pH is about 4.2 (acidic). If the pH of the vagina... More -
Dr. Lauren Streicher answered:The result of too much bad bacteria is bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV, not yeast, is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, accounting for 40 to 50% of cases. But it’s not just about an irritating discharge. Women with BV are at risk for many more serious medical conditions including preterm delivery, post-hysterectomy infection, and an increased tendency to acquire STD's such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. They also have an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent infertility.The result of too much bad bacteria is bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV, not yeast, is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, accounting for 40 to 50% of cases. But it’s not just about an irritating discharge. Women with BV are at... More -
Healthwise answered:Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of "good" bacteria and some "bad" bacteria in the vagina. The good types help control the growth of the bad types. With bacterial vaginosis, the balance is upset. There are not enough good bacteria and too many bad bacteria. This can cause a discharge from the vagina that may smell fishy.
The infection may go away on its own in a few days. Antibiotics can help.
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of "good" bacteria and some "bad" bacteria in the vagina. The good types help control the growth of the bad types. With bacterial vaginosis, the balance... More
