Bacterial Vaginosis commonly referred to as BV. It is actually an imbalance in the normal bacteria in the vagina. There is a decrease in the good bacteria and an increase in the bad bacteria. There is also a change in the PH balance of the vagina. Normal PH is below 4.5.

BV causes aren’t completely known. It is not necessarily a sexual transmitted disease. Women who have never had intercourse can be affected by BV. It has been proven that douching can cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora. It can be caused by being on certain antibiotics, multiple sexual partners, some lubes, food play in the vagina, having sex in a hot tub or swimming pool that the chemicals aren’t properly adjusted. Smokers are more frequently affected than non-smokers. Anything that can change the bacterial and acidity of the vagina can be a cause. BV is very common in women of child bearing age.

Symptoms of BV include an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge can be white or grey in color and is usually thin and watery. It is common to have an odor, a type of “fishy smell” that is more noticeable after sexual intercourse. You may or may not have vaginal irritation, burning, or itching. Intercourse can be painful. You can have burning with irritation. Some women don’t have any symptoms at all.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, having Bacterial Vaginosis can increase your susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, herpes, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea. BV can cause complications with pregnancy. It can cause premature birth.

If you believe that you may have BV, a visit to a clinic is indicated. Diagnosis is made by pelvic exam and collecting vaginal secretions for lab examination. This article is not intended for medical treatment. Please see you physician if you believe that you may have BV.

Treatments include stopping what you believe may have caused the bacterial imbalance. Stop douching, changing lubes, and clean your toys. The physician can prescribe pill antibiotics and vaginal antibiotics. BV is not transmitted to male partners. Females can transmit it to other females. This is the first time I have ever heard of a lesbian transmitted disease.

After seeing a physician and receiving the diagnosis of BV and not a sexually transmitted disease it is suggested to increase lactobacilli containing foods into your diet. This would be eating yogurts or taking a probiotic supplement. According to Earth Clinic, the use of tampons soaked into nonfat yogurt, or plain yogurt with live cultures has been known to help. Some women even went as far as to using a turkey baster to instill yogurt into the vagina at bed time. They used a sanitary pad or a towel underneath their bodies to prevent any mess. This needs to be performed several days in a row.


It is common for reoccurrences of BV within three to six months of treatment especially if the cause wasn’t identified. Again, this article is not intended for treatment of any medical conditions. If you have any concerns or any abnormal symptoms please seek the advice of your physician.