Bacteria Vaginosis is a condition in women when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria.
Street Name: BV
How you get it: The vagina is full of good, happy bacteria that when in balance keep the vagina and body healthy. We don’t know what exactly causes BV, but the result is an imbalance between the good and harmful bacteria.
What we know for sure is that douching is a major contributor to BV and recurrent episodes of BV. DO NOT DOUCHE.
Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal discharge – meaning you have more than usual and it is smelly, white or grey. The vagina may also burn or itch. The majority of women do not report any signs or symptoms from BV.
Treatment/ Relief: BV usually goes away within a few couple days. Sometimes, though, an antibiotic may be required for a prolonged infection.
What should you know:
In the United States pregnant women have higher rates of BV. Younger women are at higher for BV.
How does this impact pregnancy?
Pregnant women with BV more often give birth to premature and/or underweight infants. Also, because the bacteria can travel up into the uterus and fallopian tubes, pregnant women are at higher risk for Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).