Is BV sexually transmitted? While having my pap, I found out that I had BV. Should my bf get tested?

The healthy vagina has a balance of many different kinds of bacteria. "Good" bacteria help keep the vagina a little-bit acidic. This keeps "Bad" bacteria from growing too fast. A healthy vagina makes a mucus-like discharge that may look clear or a little milky, depending on the time of a woman's monthly cycle. When the balance between the "Good" bacteria and the "Bad" bacteria is upset, "Bad" bacteria grow too fast and cause infections. Discharge may have a funny color or a bad smell. Sometimes these "Bad" bacteria and other germs that cause vaginitis can be spread through sex. Other things that can upset the balance of the vagina are:

* antibiotics (medicines)
* pregnancy
* douching
* damp underwear
* tight pants
* poor diet
* vaginal products (sprays, lubricants, birth control devices)

Prescription medication, usually antibiotics, depending on the organism causing the infection is used to treat and/or cure BV. Treatments may include:

* Metronidazole (Flagyl)
* Clindamycin

In most cases male sex partners do not need to be treated.

I hope this helps. Post anytime you have questions.

Best,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator