You often hear about yeast infections or STIs, but there’s another vaginal condition that isn’t discussed as much: bacterial vaginosis. Here’s everything you need to know about this vaginal condition.
What is it?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common genital tract disorder in women and is caused by an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria in the vagina. While it’s normal to have some of this bacteria in your vagina, it becomes a problem when there’s an abnormal balance of healthy and unhealthy vaginal bacteria.
What are the symptoms?
- Thin white or grey vaginal discharge
- Pain, itching, or burning
- Fishy smell (especially after sex)
- Burning when urinating
Can it be treated?
Typically, bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. You can also take preventative measures such as taking probiotic supplements to maintain healthy vaginal pH levels. It’s also important to avoid douching because your vagina doesn’t require cleansing other than normal bathing.
When to see a doctor
It can be hard to tell if you have bacterial vaginosis, so if anything seems “off” down there (including any of the above symptoms), see your doctor or gynecologist.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
