Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is a change in the natural bacterial balance in your vagina.
Your vagina should contain lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria). The lactobacilli produce lactic acid. This makes the vagina slightly acidic, which prevents other bacteria from growing there.
However, if you have BV, you have less lactobacilli, which means that your vagina is not as acidic as it should be. This allows other types of bacteria to grow.
It is not fully understood what causes the levels of bacteria to change, although some factors have been identified that may contribute to BV.
Contributing factors
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because it is not passed to other people through intimate sexual contact. However, BV is more common among people who are sexually active, including women in same-sex relationships. It is also more common among black women.
Other factors that may increase your risk of getting BV include:
- having a new sexual partner
- having multiple sexual partners
- using an intrauterine device (IUD), a contraceptive device made from plastic and copper that fits inside the womb (uterus)
- smoking
- using scented soaps or perfumed bubble bath
- putting antiseptic liquids in the bath
- douching (washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other fluids)
- using vaginal deodorant
- using strong detergents to wash your underwear
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease, and some are good for you.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs are diseases passed on through intimate sexual contact, such as vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Uterus
The uterus (or womb) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Vagina
The vagina is a tube of muscle that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vulva (the external sexual organs).
