Bacterial vaginosis is a condition women get when the natural balance in the vagina changes and can result in an unpleasant smelling discharge. It is an extremely common condition affecting about 1 in 3 women. It is usually caused by douching and irritants such as soap and bubble baths although smokers and those fitted with an IUD are also more at risk. BV is not strictly speaking an STI ( sexually transmitted infection) , although if you have it it can increase your risk of getting infected with another STI such as HIV, or in pregnant women with HIV, it increases the risk that the HIV is passed on to the baby. In addition, sexual partners of HIV positive women are more at risk of picking up HIV from them. BV is easily treated so if you have an unusual smelling discharge make sure to get it checked and treated to reduce your risk.
