What causes bacterial vaginosis?
The human vagina sees a balance of good and bad bacteria, and bacterial vaginosis happens when the bad bacteria (anaerobes) outgrow the good bacteria leading to problems. In fact, contrary to the popular belief that yeast infections are more common, more than half of vaginal infections among women at a given time could be caused by bacteria rather than yeast. In other words, many times women think that they are infected with yeast while the reality is that they are infected with bacterial vaginosis.
The human vagina sees a balance of good and bad bacteria, and bacterial vaginosis happens when the bad bacteria (anaerobes) outgrow the good bacteria leading to problems. In fact, contrary to the popular belief that yeast infections are more common, more than half of vaginal infections among women at a given time could be caused by bacteria rather than yeast. In other words, many times women think that they are infected with yeast while the reality is that they are infected with bacterial vaginosis.
The most noticable symptom of this problem is a foul odor that originates in the vagina. This odor is fishy in nature. This usually co-occurs with a discharge from the vagina (also foul-smelling: more on our BV Symptoms page), a burning sensation, possible itching inside and around the vagina/vulva. Some pain may be felt in the vaginal area too. BV may further lead to bladder and uthreral infection as well as skin infection around the vulva (genitals). Read this page for the detailed primary and secondary symptoms: bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
It is hard to accept the fact that bacterial vaginosis is a condition you have to live with, although it is not life threatening. The foul odor of the discharge from the woman following sexual intercourse is having a deterring effect on the partner and it is a cause of terrible stress and embarrassment. We know that bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance in the bacterial flora in the vagina that can affect any woman, more frequently those sexually active. But what causes bacterial vaginosis and how can it be prevented is a very important question as well.
Certain factors have been identified that increase the chances of developing bacterial vaginosis. These include multiple or new sexual partners, intrauterine devices for contraception, recent antibiotic use, vaginal douching, and cigarette smoking. However, the role of sexual activity in the development of the condition is not fully understood, and bacterial vaginosis can still develop in women who have not had sexual intercourse.