What are the causes of bv?

Vaginal Bacteria: Bacterial vaginosis (bv) is the most common cause of vaginitis in women after puberty. The infection usually results from an overgrowth of a variety of organisms found in the vagina, like gardnerella, genital mycoplasmas or other anaerobic bacteria. It is not an std. It is best to see your doctor for evaluation to make the correct diagnosis and provide treatment with the appropriate antibiotic.

Good question!: The "what" of BV is well known: it's an overgrowth of mostly normal vaginal bacteria. The "why" of it, i.e. the actual cause, remains mysterious despite years of active research. Sex often triggers Bv, but as yet no sexually transmitted cause has been found and treating male partners doesn't prevent new BV. Particular vaginal bacteria may be the cause, but where they come from is uncertain.

Bacterial overgrowth: Bacterial vaginosis in caused by an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina in which the "good" or "normal" bacteria are decreased and "bad" bacteria overgrow. Douching is a huge risk factor for BV because it disrupts the normal bacterial balance in your vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis…: Occurs when the normal balance of "good" bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria (which are there, but in fewer numbers). Actual cause is poorly understood: may be link to multiple partners, douching, failure to complete meds given for previous episode. Bv increases risk for other std's & pid.