Know your body
Women's Health
Soft, honest, evidence-based info on what's happening, plus space to track and reflect.
A gentle reminder: This is educational information shared with love, not medical advice. Always talk with your trusted healthcare provider about what's right for your body.
What is BV?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in people of reproductive age. It happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts, the protective Lactobacillus decreases and other bacteria overgrow. It's not an STI, but sex can trigger it.
Causes & triggers
- New or multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sex, semen changes vaginal pH
- Douching
- Scented products, harsh soaps
- Hormonal changes (period, pregnancy)
- IUDs (in some cases)
- Sometimes no clear cause
Symptoms
- Thin, gray, white, or greenish discharge
- Strong "fishy" odor, often stronger after sex
- Mild itching or burning (often less intense than yeast)
- Sometimes no symptoms at all
BV vs yeast, how to tell
| Sign | BV | Yeast |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge | Thin, gray/white | Thick, white, "cottage cheese" |
| Odor | Strong, fishy | Usually none |
| Itching | Mild or none | Intense |
| Cause | Bacterial imbalance | Fungal overgrowth |
Treatment
- Metronidazole (oral or vaginal gel), prescription, 5–7 days
- Clindamycin cream, prescription alternative
- Tinidazole, oral option
- Avoid alcohol while on metronidazole or tinidazole
- BV often recurs, some providers recommend maintenance gel after treatment
Prevention
- Don't douche, ever
- Skip scented products and harsh soaps
- Condoms reduce BV risk
- Cotton underwear
- Probiotics with Lactobacillus crispatus and L. rhamnosus
- Wipe front to back
See a doctor if…
- You suspect BV (it needs prescription treatment, no OTC option)
- You're pregnant, untreated BV is linked to preterm birth
- BV keeps coming back
- You have fever, pelvic pain, or unusual bleeding