Bacterial vaginosis (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 BV, 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 BV 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? Ladies need not worry about transmitting BV to their male partners, as the male reproductive system cannot support the bacteria. However, BV is contagious 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 BV. So if you ask "Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?", unless you are a lesbian, you need not worry.




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