Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance in the normal bacteria that live in the vagina. It is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and is caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is more common in women who are sexually active, especially if they have multiple sexual partners.
Symptoms of BV may include an abnormal discharge with a fishy odor, burning during urination, and itching in the genital area. The discharge may be thin and white or gray in color. BV is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider during a pelvic exam and confirmed with a laboratory test of a sample of vaginal secretions. It is treated with antibiotics, either taken orally or applied directly to the vagina as a cream or gel. It is important to finish the entire course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning. Women with BV may also be advised to use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission to their sexual partners.
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