Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and may play a role in premature labor.

NICHD is one of many federal agencies and NIH institutes working to understand BV and to educate women about what it is and how to avoid it. NICHD supports and conducts research on the risks of BV and ways to prevent and treat it.