subject: Is Bacterial Vaginosis Contagious? - The Truth About Bacterial Vaginosis That "they" Won't Tell You [print this page] Bacterial vaginosis (also known as BV) is a common vaginal disorder in many women around the world. It is most common in pregnant women, but can occur in any ovulating woman. It can be embarrassing at times with the fish-like odor it gives off, leaving you self-conscious to go out in public or be around other people. Therefore, most BV sufferers wonder, "Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?" Before we answer this question, it is important to know exactly what bacterial vaginosis is, the causes, the symptoms, and how it is typically treated.
The vagina produces a combination of both "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria. In a normal vagina, there are much more good bacteria than bad. However, in a woman infected with bacterial vaginosis, there are an excess amount of these bad bacteria, taking over the good bacteria your vagina needs to remain clean and healthy. This results in a white or gray discharge that often has a foul odor that smells like fish.
Why does this occur? Scientists have not yet pinpointed the exact reasons why bacterial vaginosis occurs in women. However, it is understood that BV can be caused by the many changes occurring in the woman's reproductive system at any given time, especially during pregnancy, while having intercourse with new or multiple sex partners, or when douching too often.
So is bacterial vaginosis contagious? Can it be spread to others, and if so, how? Ladies need not worry about transmitting bacterial vaginosis to their male partners, as the male reproductive system cannot support the bacteria. However, bacterial vaginosis is contagious and can spread if two women have intercourse. Moreover, women cannot contract BV from touching various household objects, from toilet seats, bed linens, or swimming pools. Even women who have never had intercourse can develop bacterial vaginosis. So if you ask "Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?", unless you are a lesbian, you need not worry.
Though bacterial vaginosis is not contagious in most cases, and though it eventually will go away on its own, if you have BV, it is a good idea to get rid of it as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help ward off the bacteria in your vagina. Many times, though, these antibiotics are often not the best way to go, as they can cause some negative side-effects, including killing the "good" bacteria that your vagina requires to remain clean and healthy. So make sure you do your due diligence when researching good bacterial vaginosis cures.
