Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection that occurs when “bad” bacteria proliferate in the vagina at a higher rate than good bacteria.
About one in three women get BV.
BV symptoms
The most common symptom of BV is abnormal vaginal discharge.
- White, gray or greenish color
Other symptoms of BV include:
- A fishy smell, especially after sex
- Vaginal pain and surroundings
- Itching inside and outside the vagina
- Burning when urinating
New analysis technology = more accurate results
Nucleic acid testing (NAP) offers greater accuracy in detecting BV-associated bacteria than traditional tests that use microscopes.
NOTE: PANs for BV are performed using a vaginal sample.
Other advantages of PAN:
- Ability to diagnose multiple infections from one sample
- Fast results in about 24 hours
- Self-collection options
PANs for BV are usually covered by insurance, but only if you have symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about whether a PAN for BV is the best option for you.
BV increases your risk of other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
If left untreated, BV can also cause:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Premature birth or low birth weight if you are pregnant
NOTE: BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be transmitted through sexual relations with a man or a woman
BV is common in women. Therefore, do not ignore the symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about testing for BV.
This educational resource was created with the support of Hologic, a member of HealthyWomen’s Corporate Advisory Board.