Vaginal Infection (Bacterial Vaginosis): What to Know

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. It happens when the balance of normal germs (bacteria) in the vagina changes. It's common among females ages 15 to 44. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

If you're pregnant, you need to get treated right away. This infection can cause a baby to be born early or at a low birth weight.

What are the causes?

This happens when too many harmful germs grow in the vagina. The exact reason why this happens isn't known. You can't get this infection from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or contact with objects around you.

What increases the risk?

• Having new or multiple sexual partners, or unprotected sex.
• Douching.
• Using an intrauterine device (IUD).
• Smoking.
• Alcohol and drug abuse.
• Taking certain antibiotics.
• Being pregnant.

You can get a vaginal infection without being sexually active. However, it most often occurs in sexually active females.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Gray or white vaginal discharge. It can be watery or foamy.
• A fish-like smell, especially after sex or during your menstrual period.
• Itching in and around the vagina.
• Burning or pain with peeing.

How is this diagnosed?

• Your medical history.
• A physical exam of the vagina.
• Checking a sample of vaginal fluid for harmful bacteria or uncommon cells.

How is this treated?

• A pill.
• A cream for your vagina.
• A medicine that you put into your vagina called a suppository.

If the infection comes back, you may need more antibiotics.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take your medicines only as told.
• Take or apply your antibiotics as told. Do not stop using them even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• If you have a female sexual partner, tell her about the infection. She should see her health care provider. Male partners don't need treatment.
• Avoid sex until treatment is complete.
• Drink more fluids as told.
• Keep the area around your vagina and rectum clean.
  • Wash the area daily with warm water.
  • Wipe yourself from front to back after pooping.
• If you're breastfeeding, talk to your provider about continuing during treatment.

How is this prevented?

Self-care

• Do not douche or use vaginal deodorant sprays.
  • Douching can upset the balance of good and harmful bacteria in the vagina, which can cause an infection to happen again.
• Wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear.
• Avoid wearing tight pants or pantyhose, especially in the summer.

Safe sex

• Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex.
• Use dental dams to protect yourself during oral sex.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Get tested for STIs. Your sexual partner should also get tested.

Drugs and alcohol

• Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
• Do not use drugs.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink because it can lead to risky sexual behavior.

Where to find more information

• To learn more:
  1. Go to cdc.gov.
  2. Click Health Topics A-Z.
  3. Type "bacterial vaginosis" in the search box.
• American Sexual Health Association (ASHA): ashasexualhealth.org
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health: womenshealth.gov

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms don't get better, even after treatment.
• You have more discharge or pain when peeing.
• You have a fever or chills.
• You have pain in your belly or pelvis.
• You have pain during sex.
• You have vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.