Bacterial vaginosis
vaginal; infections; gardnerella; bacterial; vaginosis; vagina; discharge;
Contents
Many bacteria live healthily on the surface of the vagina, not causing any problems. They are called vaginal 'flora'. In bacterial vaginosis there are too many bacteria such as Gardnerella.
Bacterial vaginitis is very common, and most women will have it at some time in their life, but some women have it much more often than others, and it is not clear why they get so many flare-ups of vaginitis.
It does not seem to be sexually transmitted, because it only affects women, but it can be triggered by sexual intercourse. Women who have female partners can also have vaginosis.
More Information
Clinic 275 (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Service, South Australia 'Bacterial Vaginosis'
http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/bvag.pdf
Department of Health (South Australia) - Communicable Diseases Branch 'Bacterial vaginosis' http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/bacterialvaginosis-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf
Resources in South Australia
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).