Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis results from an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, but several factors and behaviours can increase the likelihood of this disruption. BV is not caused by a single external pathogen; instead, it’s the result of the overgrowth of naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria at the expense of protective lactobacilli. Read more about the causes and risk factors of bacterial vaginosis below.
Key causes and risk factors include:
- Sexual activity
- Although not classified as an STI, BV is more common in sexually active women.
- Having multiple or new sexual partners increases the risk, likely due to changes in the vaginal environment caused by semen or bacterial exchange.
- Women who have sex with women are also at higher risk, possibly due to shared vaginal flora.
- Vaginal douching
- This disrupts the natural pH and bacteria balance, increasing the likelihood of BV.
- Despite common myths, douching is not recommended and does not “clean” the vagina — it can actually cause harm.
- Use of scented soaps, sprays, and wipes
- Perfumed products may irritate the vagina and upset its natural acidity, creating conditions for harmful bacteria to grow.
- Perfumed products may irritate the vagina and upset its natural acidity, creating conditions for harmful bacteria to grow.
- Smoking
- Research suggests that tobacco use may alter the vaginal microbiome, reducing the presence of beneficial bacteria.
- Research suggests that tobacco use may alter the vaginal microbiome, reducing the presence of beneficial bacteria.
- Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Some women with IUDs may experience changes in their vaginal flora, although this is not true for everyone.
- Some women with IUDs may experience changes in their vaginal flora, although this is not true for everyone.
- Antibiotic use
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria, which can temporarily upset the balance and lead to BV.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria, which can temporarily upset the balance and lead to BV.
It’s also worth noting that BV is not contagious, and women can get it even if they’ve never had sex. Stress, poor diet, hormonal shifts, and even wearing tight, non-breathable underwear may influence bacterial balance to some degree.
Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis
In South Africa, women may lack access to accurate reproductive health information and fall prey to harmful myths about vaginal hygiene. Educating women — and men — about the causes of BV can reduce stigma and improve prevention.
👉 [Next: Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis]
