Bacterial Vaginosis
en español: Vaginosis bacteriana
Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a mild infection in the vagina. BV happens when there are more "bad" bacteria than "good" bacteria in the vagina. BV is the most common vaginal infection affecting young women.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Many girls don't see any signs of BV. But those who do might notice:
- white or gray thin vaginal discharge
- a bad, fishy smell that's more noticeable during a girl's period or after sex
Itching and burning are not common signs of bacterial vaginosis. If a girl has those symptoms, the doctor will check for other conditions.