Hormones 2016

Chapter 16
Other infections that can be caused
by an STI
Bacterial vaginosis - BV
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common yet poorly understood condition, in
which the balance of bacteria inside the vagina becomes disrupted.
BV doesn’t usually cause any vaginal soreness or itching, but often causes
unusual vaginal discharge. If you have the condition, your discharge may -
• develop a strong fishy smell, particularly after sexual intercourse,
• become white or grey,
• become thin and watery
BV isn’t serious for the vast majority of women, although it may be a
concern if symptoms of BV develop in pregnancy and you have a history
of pregnancy-related complications.
Around half of women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms (NHS,
2015a).
BV can occur in women who are not sexually active but is more common in
those that are (brook, 2015a).
Causes
BV occurs when there’s a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your
vagina.
Your vagina should contain bacteria called lactobacilli, which produce lactic
acid. This makes the vagina slightly acidic, which prevents other bacteria
from growing there.
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