Microbes can be introduced each time you have intercourse.
The risk of BV is highest among people with a vagina between the ages of 15 and 44.
This age group tends to be more sexually active than younger or older people.
© Verywell, 2018
Bacterial vaginosis is rare in people who have never been sexually active.
Examples of aerobic bacteria includeStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli(E. coli).
A number of CRH-related genetic mutations have been identified in black women that are less common in white women.
BV affects all people with vaginas.
However, people with penises can cause the bacterial imbalance, without becoming infected.
Unlike some infections, BV can recur.
In some cases, it can be a chronic condition.
Kairys N, Garg M.Bacterial Vaginosis.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
2016;29(2):223238. doi:10.1128/CMR.00075-15
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Guidelines.
2011;38(11):1020-7.
Hay PE.Bacterial Vaginosis as a Mixed Infection.
In: Brogden KA, Guthmiller JM, editors.
Washington (DC): ASM Press.
Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2495/
Taylor TA, Unakal CG.Staphylococcus Aureus.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Ann N Y Acad Sci.
Chiaffarino F, Parazzini F, De besi P, Lavezzari M.Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol.
2004;117(2):222-6.
2010;37(5):335339.
2015;10(12):e0141905.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141905
Office On Womens Health.Douching.
Association between cigarette smoking and the vaginal microbiota: a pilot study.BMC Infect Dis.
Madden, T.; Grentzer, J.; Secura, G. et al.
Taheri, M.; Baheiraei, A.; Foroushani, A. et al.
