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2007-06-27 07:42:38 · 3 answers · asked by onetwothree 1 in Health Diseases & Conditions STDs

3 answers

A woman can get bacterial vaginosis (BV) without having sex too - it's not JUST related to sex.

BV is a change in the balance of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina, which can cause bothersome symptoms. BV is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms in women of childbearing age.

The most notable symptom of bacterial vaginosis is an excessive, bad-smelling, grayish-white vaginal discharge. A "fishy" smell, which is usually worse after sex, is a telltale sign of BV. However, about half of women with BV have no noticeable symptoms.

The cause of BV is poorly understood. However, a number of known risk factors can lead to a drop in "good" lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina and an increase in less friendly bacteria, whose growth is usually kept in check by higher levels of lactobacillus. These risk factors include sexual activity, history of sexually transmitted disease, douching, and tampon, diaphragm, and IUD use. BV is more common among women who have multiple sex partners or female sex partners.

BV is sometimes linked to hormonal changes; it is more common around the time of menstruation and is found in up to 23% of pregnant women.

Check out the link below for more information:
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw53097

2007-06-27 16:36:22 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 0 0

Bacterial vaginosis is simply an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. The vagina is home to a variety of bacteria and when they grow out of control you get vaginosis.

So, technically it could develop at any age. The vast majority of women will experience it at some point in their lives and it is unclear why some women develop it more often. Women who have unprotected sex with multiple partners seem to be more likely to get bact. vaginosis (Though it is NOT a sexually transmitted disease....virgins can get it too.)

Hope this helps

2007-06-27 15:06:30 · answer #2 · answered by BJC 6 · 0 0

start having sex

2007-06-27 15:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by xxmexx 2 · 0 1

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