What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a common
cause of abnormal vaginal discharge and malodour in women of
reproductive age. In some women however there will be no
symptoms. It is not sexually transmitted or contagious. It was
previously referred to as nonspecific vaginitis. What is the
cause of bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is due to a
disturbance of normal bacterial equilibrium in the vagina.
Lactobacilli are usually the most common bacteria in the vagina.
In bacterial vaginosis, there is an overgrowth of other
bacteria, especially Gardnerella, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococci
and Mobilunculus species. These are anaerobic bacteria, i.e.,
they grow in the absence of oxygen. Predisposing factors include
recent antibiotic use, decreased oestrogen production,
intrauterine device (IUD) and an increased number of sexual
partners. The odour of the creamy white foamy discharge is the
most common complaint, with a positive 'whiff' test. The vulva
and vagina are not inflamed so the condition r