COGBF Healthy Living Contributor, Dr. Parrin Barton-Ob/Gyn & Family Medicine                     

BV is the # 1 vaginal infection in the United States.  It is quite common in women of childbearing age.  Any woman can get BV as it can occur when the natural balance of organisms in the vagina changes.  The vagina should contain lactic acid bacteria, called lactobacilli.  These bacteria produce lactic acid making the environment slightly acidic.  This prevents other harmful bacteria from growing.  When there is an overgrowth of the harmful bacteria, this IMBALANCE results in BV.  It is possible that a number of different organisms are involved in this type of infection.  BV is not an STI (sexually transmitted infection).  Using certain hygiene products & douching may be linked to a higher risk of developing BV.  Your health professional can easily perform very simple tests to diagnose BV. 

BV causes specific symptoms which can easily be differentiated from 2 other very common types of vaginal infections:  yeast and Trichomoniasis.  Common signs and symptoms of BV include a thin/white and grayish white discharge that is foul smelling, like an unpleasant fishy odor.  The discharge and odor may be more noticeable after sexual relations.  Also a possible symptom of BV is burning sensation during urination and itching around the outside of the vagina.  Although BV occurs in celibate women, it is not possible to contract BV from toilet seats, swimming pools, hot tubs or from touching contaminated objects. 

A pregnant woman with BV has an increased with of preterm delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy.  Also there is an increased risk of cuff cellulitis in woman undergoing hysterectomy if she is not tested and treated for BV.

Infection Type	Bacterial Vaginosis	Yeast Infection	Trichomoniasis
Cause	Bacteria	Fungus	Parasitic Trichomonads
Vaginal Disorder	“Fishy”/Unpleasant	None	Unpleasant
Vaginal Itching/Irritation	Occasionally Present	Usually Present	Usually present
Vaginal Discharge	Thin/Milky White/Gray	Thick, cottage cheese –like white.	Yellow- Green
Treatment	Rx Medication	See a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment	Rx  Medication