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About Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

What is BV?

Bacterial vaginosis, more commonly called BV, is an infection that develops in the vagina. It is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age.1,2 A change in the balance of bacteria that normally live in the vagina causes BV. Factors that change the balance include douching, taking antibiotics, wearing an intrauterine device (IUD), and having unprotected sexual activity, among others.

Citations

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). FAQ: Gynecologic problems. Retrieved May 10, 2012, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health external link (PDF 258 KB)
  2. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. (2008). Bacterial vaginosis fact sheet. Retrieved May 10, 2012, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis
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