Center for Young Women's HealthBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can affect teens and adults. The infection occurs when there is a sudden change in the bacterial flora in the vagina. … read more
Articles Tagged: bacterial vaginosis
Whenever I stand or move around I feel like I give off a scent similar to a fart, but I am not passing gas. Any ideas what it might be? Help! I am embarrassed to ask my doctor.
The mysterious smell could be caused by many different things, but for starters it may have to do with your body odor. Body odor can be a difficult challenge for teens … read more
Why do I get BV every other month? I was prescribed Metrogel and used it 5 days and it went away. Then I had sex with my bf last week and it came back the next day.
Thanks for your question about bacterial vaginosis (BV)! It can be very frustrating if you’ve taken all of your medication and followed the advice of your health care provider and … read more
I have a lot of discharge that has a fishy scent at times. What can that mean? I saw my gynecologist but they said I was fine.
Thank you for your question! Anytime you have a discharge that is unusual for you, it’s a good idea to check in with your gynecologist or health care provider, which … read more
I was prescribed metronidazole gel for bacterial vaginosis (BV) today. Will the gel produce a clumpy discharge and will I still be able to have sex regularly while using the gel?
A common side effect from metronidazole gel is a thick, white vaginal discharge with or without an odor which usually goes away soon after completing a full course of treatment. … read more
I was recently told by a friend it’s not safe to douche, because it does more harm than good. Is this true?
Your friend is right. Douching (cleaning your vagina with just water, vinegar or a pre-packaged liquid) isn’t necessary and can actually be harmful. A woman’s body naturally makes a fluid … read more
I am a virgin but I always have a smell and discharge in my vagina. What should I do?
Most girls will have a vaginal discharge after puberty which can be thick and sticky, especially during the middle of their menstrual cycle or during ovulation. During ovulation, vaginal discharge … read more
What causes it to smell “down there” (my vagina)?
Every female has a natural vaginal scent that can change throughout her menstrual cycle. A strong odor however, can be a sign of an infection, particularly if she is sexually … read more
Does having bacterial vaginosis or BV cause future fertility problems later (trouble getting pregnant)?
Yes. If you don’t get treated, BV can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage your reproductive organs, making it difficult to become pregnant later. The good news is there … read more
Trichomoniasis (Trichomonal Vaginitis; “Trich”)
Trichomoniasis is a common type of vaginal infection (vaginitis). It occurs in both teens and adults. What causes trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-cell parasite called a trichomonad. Unlike … read more