What does bv look like

Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or gels or creams. You'll need to take treatment for longer up to 6 months if you keep getting BV you get it more than twice in 6 months. A GP or sexual health clinic will recommend how long you need to treat it. They can also help identify if something is triggering your BV, such as sex or your period. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.

What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if:. This may be because BV makes your vagina less acidic and reduces your natural defences against infection. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Reproductive system - female. Home Reproductive system - female.

Bacterial vaginosis. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis BV is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis may occur at the same time as sexually transmissible infections STIs. How BV is spread Although it is not clear how BV is transmitted, it is more common in women who are sexually active.

Gynecologic problems FAQ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, Sobel JD.

Bacterial vaginosis: Treatment. Accessed May 24, Bacterial vaginosis. Flagyl prescribing information.

Pfizer; Cleocin prescribing information. The content here can be syndicated added to your web site. Print Version pdf icon. Bacterial vaginosis BV is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina.

This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. Researchers do not know the cause of BV or how some women get it. We do know that the condition typically occurs in sexually active women. Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This places a woman at increased risk for getting BV. We also do not know how sex contributes to BV.

There is no research to show that treating a sex partner affects whether or not a woman gets BV. Doctors and scientists do not completely understand how BV spreads. There are no known best ways to prevent it.