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Communicable Diseases Agency

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where different types of bacteria affect the acidity of a vagina.

Last updated 7 November 2025

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

BV is a condition where different types of bacteria affect the acidity of a vagina. A healthy, normally functioning vagina is acidic, at a pH of less than 4.5. BV can cause it to be more neutral, up to a pH of 7.0. BV is common for women aged 15 to 44 years old.

The bacteria typically associated with BV are:

  • G. vaginalis

  • Bacteroides spp

  • Prevotella spp

  • Mobiluncus spp

  • Ureaplasma urealyticum

  • Mycoplasma hominis

How is BV transmitted?

BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it occurs more commonly in sexually active women. It is unclear how sexual activity affects BV’s transmission.

You do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

What are the symptoms of BV?

BV may be asymptomatic. When symptoms appear, they include:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge that is thin and grayish-white

  • A fishy odour from the vagina, especially after sex

  • Itching or irritation around the vagina

  • Burning sensation during urination

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, if untreated it can lead to:

  • Problems in pregnancy (for example, spontaneous abortion and preterm delivery for pregnant women with BV)

  • Higher risk of STIs and HIV

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

  • Vaginal douching

  • Having oral sex

  • Recent change of sex partner

  • Smoking

  • Having an STI

How to treat BV?

If you have BV, you should avoid vaginal douching, using shower gels, antiseptic agents, or shampoos in the bath.

Follow-up with your doctor is not necessary if symptoms resolve. If you are pregnant and are facing the aforementioned risk factors, a follow-up visit after one month is recommended.

How to prevent BV?

Ways to prevent BV include:

  • Avoiding douching and using feminine sprays

  • Not having sex

  • Limiting the number of sexual partners

  • Using condoms consistently and correctly