| Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where
the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is upset. Too much of the wrong kind of bacteria can result in an unusual
discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.
Most of the time, the worst thing about BV is the discomfort caused by
its symptoms. However, you need to get
treatment, because there are some serious risks that you should know about.
How do I know it's not a yeast infection?
Only your healthcare professional (HCP) can tell for sure if you have bacterial vaginosis (BV). When your HCP examines you for possible BV, he or she may take a sample
of your vaginal fluid with a swab. If test results show that there is a shift in the normal balance of bacteria
in your vagina, you may have BV. Another sign of BV is a strong odor.
Learn more about the symptoms of BV.
You need to see a HCP to treat BV
When you talk to your HCP, you should know that there are different treatments that can be prescribed. Both local and
systemic treatments are available. A treatment that is fast, clean, and easy might make having BV a little
less unpleasant. Ask your HCP about Cleocin® Vaginal Ovules (clindamycin phosphate vaginal suppositories).
Risks linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- BV can make you more likely to get human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you are exposed to the HIV virus
- BV can make women with HIV more likely to pass HIV to a sex partner
- BV can increase your chance of getting pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) after an abortion or a hysterectomy
- BV may create problems for pregnant women
- Your child could be born too early, which can cause other serious problems
- Your child could have a low birth weight (less than 5 pounds)
- BV can make you more likely to get chlamydia or gonorrhea
See your HCP
BV can sometimes clear up by itself. But if you have symptoms, you
should see your HCP for treatment. This can help you avoid some of the risks listed above.
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