What is bacterial vaginosis? How do I get it? How is it treated?

Bacterial vaginosis – or BV for short – is a condition in which the healthiest bacterial species are no longer the dominant species in the vagina, and other bacteria grow in greater numbers. Symptoms of BV you may notice at home include having more vaginal discharge than usual, with a color that may vary from white to gray to light yellow. The discharge may have an unpleasant odor. You may experience vaginal irritation/burning or itching. Some women have no noticeable symptoms.

Current medical guidelines call for treating symptomatic BV with metronidazole or other antibiotics. These treatments are usually successful, but unfortunately, BV recurs within 3 months to a year most of the time. Many women experience recurrent BV throughout their lives. Diagnosis should be confirmed by a healthcare provider prior to any treatment.