Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

A to Z: Bacterial Vaginosis

May also be called: BV; Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection in the vagina.

More to Know

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance between normal "good" bacteria and harmful "bad" bacteria in the vagina is out of balance. It can cause symptoms like itching, burning, an abnormal discharge, or a bad odor. Some girls with BV notice a thin white or gray discharge, sometimes with a bad, fishy smell that's more noticeable after having sex. However, many girls have few symptoms and don't realize they have an infection.

Girls who've never had sex can also get BV. Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection disease (STD), but the chances of developing it seem to increase with the number of sexual partners a girl has. And having BV can increase the risk for developing STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs), such as genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.

Keep in Mind

BV is the most common vaginal infection affecting young women. The usual treatment for BV is prescription antibiotics (pills, vaginal creams, or suppositories). Infections like BV are one reason why girls who are having sex need to get regular gynecological checkups and STD tests.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.