A new study from Australia shows that bacterial vaginosis (BV), commonly known as BV, should now be considered an STI/STD. BV affects 1 in 3 women, and is often recurrent in 50% of affected women following antibiotic treatment.

Typical symptoms from BV include, vaginal itching, discharge, odor and pain with urination. BV can increase a woman’s risk of developing STIs/STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, which can increase a woman’s risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Becoming infected during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of premature birth or miscarriage.

Though previous studies have shown BV is more common in sexually active women, to date, it has not been classified as an STI/STD. In the Australian study, the recurrence rate in infected women following antibiotic treatment was reduced by over 50% when male sexual partners were treated with oral and topical antibiotics. Prior studies also showed that women in same-sex relationships have a higher risk of BV. Additionally, having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, douching, having sex with an infected partner, and smoking increase the risk of a BV infection.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you have a history of recurrent BV infections, speak to your healthcare professional for further evaluation and possible partner treatment.

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