Signs and symptoms

• Some women do not have symptoms.
  
• Unpleasant vaginal odor
  
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina, usually a white or gray color

Transmission

• BV occurs when there is a disturbance in the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. Why this happens is not known. You are more likely to get BV if you:
  
• Have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
  
• Do not use condoms with vaginal sex
  
• Douche

Prevention

• Abstain from vaginal sex.
  
• Use condoms or barriers consistently and correctly during vaginal sex.
  
• Limit number of sex partners.
  
• Do not douche.

Treatment

• See a health care provider for an exam and tests to figure out diagnosis and best treatment.
  
• Treatment is medicines (antibiotics) prescribed by a health care provider.
  
• Male partners do not need to be treated.
  
• BV often comes back after treatment.
  
• Consistent condom use may decrease how often BV comes back.

If not treated...

• Continued symptoms
  
• May increase risk for getting HIV and other STDs
  
• During pregnancy: Premature delivery

If you have BV...

• Seek medical care, including STD tests.
  
• Take all medicines prescribed, even after your symptoms go away.
  
• Limit number of sex partners and use condoms correctly to prevent BV from coming back.