Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina. Usually these bacteria do not cause any problems, but if they do, a health care provider may choose to treat them.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection.
Although bacterial vaginosis is more common in sexually active women, it is not something that can be spread from one person to another.
Swab samples are taken from a woman’s vagina.
Generally, treatment is only necessary if the symptoms are unpleasant and bothersome. Pregnant women are always treated when the infection is detected. Treatment is also required prior to any vaginal medical procedures such as an IUD insertion or therapeutic abortion.
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with Metronidazole.
