Teen FAQ

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the normal flora (bacteria) in the vaginal tract changes. Bacteria are necessary to maintain a healthy environment and helps keep other organisms (such as yeast) from overgrowing. Normally the "good" bacteria outnumber the "bad" bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when that balance is upset. Things that can cause this upset include a new sexual partner or multiple partners, other infections and douching. The symptoms include itching, an odor (described as "fishy"), white/gray discharge and burning when urinating. A diagnosis is made by looking at a sample from the vagina under a microscope. BV should be treated with either metronidazole or clindamycin.

Another important issue is that women with BV can be more susceptible to getting HIV if exposed to HIV during the time they have BV. So if you are having any symptoms, please see your physician. BV is not actually considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but a new sexual partner or having multiple partners can predispose a woman to developing the imbalance in the bacteria in the vaginal tract.