Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is a type of vaginal infection that any woman can get. Chances are you have heard more about yeast infections than BV, but BV (not yeast) is the most common type of vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
BV is often confused with yeast infections - they are not the same thing and they require different types of treatment. BV is linked to normal bacteria (germs) in the vagina getting out of balance. All women have mostly "good" and some "harmful" bacteria present in their vaginas. When harmful bacteria in the vagina increase, or overgrow, BV can develop. Yeast infections are caused by the yeast Candida, which also overgrows when the normal balance of the vagina becomes disturbed.
Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis?
The main sign of BV is vaginal discharge (fluid from the vagina) with a fish-like odor. Some women say the odor is stronger after having sex. The discharge can be white (milky) or gray and it can be thin. Burning or pain when urinating can occur. While not common, itching around the outside of the vagina and redness can also occur. It is important to know, though, that many women with BV have no symptoms at all.
Content Courtesy : www.4woman.gov
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