Bacterial Vaginosis

Excerpt

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by an overgrowth of normal vaginal flora. Most commonly, this presents clinically with increased vaginal discharge that has a fish-like odor. The discharge itself is typically thin and either gray or white. After being diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, patients have an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STI), and pregnant patients may have an increased risk of early delivery. Previously, bacterial vaginosis was known as Gardnerella vaginitis, attributing the condition solely to Gardnerella bacteria. However, the term bacterial vaginosis, more accurately, acknowledges the potential overgrowth of various anaerobic bacteria in the vaginal ecosystem. This imbalance serves as the underlying cause of bacterial vaginosis. Renaming it bacterial vaginosis underscores the understanding that multiple bacteria naturally present in the vagina may proliferate excessively, leading to this condition.