women s health issues
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Introduction
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina (vaginal microbiome) is altered. Bacterial vaginosis causes a thin, yellow-green or gray discharge, which may be profuse and have a fishy odor. If symptoms suggest a vaginal infection, doctors examine a sample of the discharge and/or fluid from the cervix and test it for infectious organisms. Treatment is with antibiotics applied as gels or creams or taken by mouth. Bacterial vaginosis is more common in women with a sexually transmitted infection. (See also Overview of Vaginitis (Vaginal Infection or Inflammation) .) 