February 22, 2008 Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a
condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the
vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain
bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain,
itching, or burning. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common
vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. In the United
States, BV is common in pregnant women. The cause of BV is not
fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the
bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina
normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful"
bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful
bacteria. Not much is known about how women get BV. There are
many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria
play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. However, some
activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria
in the vagina and put women at increased risk including: It is
not clear what role sexual acti