Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection that occurs when more “bad” bacteria crowd out healthy bacteria in the vagina.
About one in three women get BV.
Symptoms of BV
The most common symptom of BV is abnormal vaginal discharge.
- White, gray or greenish color
Other BV symptoms include:
- A fishy smell – especially after sex
- Pain in and around the vagina
- Itching inside or outside the vagina
- Burning when peeing
New testing technology = more accurate results
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) provide greater accuracy in detecting BV-associated bacteria than traditional tests that use microscopes.
NOTE: NAATs for BV are performed using a vaginal swab.
Other NAAT benefits:
- Ability to diagnose multiple infections from one sample
- Fast results in about 24 hours
- Self-collection options
NAATs for BV are usually covered by insurance – but only if you have symptoms.
Ask your doctor about a NAAT for BV and whether it is the best option for you.
BV increases your risk of other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
If left untreated, BV can also lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Premature birth and low birth weight if you are pregnant
BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be transmitted during sex with a male or female partner
BV is common in women, so don’t ignore the symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about getting a BV test.
This educational resource was created with support from Hologic, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.