What causes BV?

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Any woman can develop BV. Although sexually active women appear to be at higher risk, the exact causes are not yet completely understood.1

What is known is that certain activities can increase your risk of developing BV because they may alter the number of lactobacilli, the "good" bacteria that act as a natural defense against overgrowth of pathogens. In fact, women with BV may have 100 to 1000 times higher levels of "bad" bacteria such as G. vaginalis than women with normal, healthy vaginal flora. At the same time, women with BV also have much lower levels of lactobacilli than normal.1

What are the most common risk factors for BV?

The risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include:2

  • A new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners
  • Douching
  • Use of an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Not using a condom during sex

Can I get BV by touching surfaces or objects around me?

No. BV is not transmitted through contact with things in your environment, such as toilet seats, bed linens, swimming pools, etc.2

Can having BV cause other health problems?

Yes. Once established in the vaginal environment, the bacteria that cause BV can travel along the linings of the reproductive tract. This can lead to other serious health complications.1

How is BV different from other vaginal infections?

BV is linked to an overgrowth of a group of organisms, including the common bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. Other vaginal infections such as trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea are each caused by a single, well-known organism. Another common vaginal infection, candidiasis (yeast infection), is usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans.3

The lower and upper mucosal linings of the genital tract are closely linked, creating a "pathway" for vaginal BV pathogens. This increases the possibility of upper reproductive tract infection (such as pelvic inflammatory disease) and serious complications of pregnancy.1

  1. Sweet RL. Gynecologic conditions and bacterial vaginosis: implications for the non-pregnant patient. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2000;8(3-4):184-90.
  2. NIAID: bacterial vaginosis/transmission [Internet]. Bethesda: National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; c2008 [cited 2008 Jul 23]. Available from: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/bacterialVaginosis/transmission.htm.
  3. Beers MH, Berkow R, eds. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories;1999:1254-8.

About Bacterial Vaginosis

» Cause & Risk Factors

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For Health Professionals

Only Tindamax® is approved to treat both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (TV).

Clinical Insight

Oral vs vaginal cream therapy: Patient preference for oral dosing is demonstrated to be 84%. More»

Beyond BV

Tindamax® may be prescribed for other infections including:

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