How Do People Get Bacterial Vaginosis?

The cause of Bacterial Vaginosis is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina.

The vagina normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful" bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.

Not much is known about how women get Bacterial Vaginosis. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV.

However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:

Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, Douching, and Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV.

Women do not get Bacterial Vaginosis from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them.

Women that have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected.