Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. While the exact cause of BV is not fully understood, several factors can contribute to its development:
The vagina maintains a delicate balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria. BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, leading to a decrease in beneficial lactobacilli.
Factors that disrupt the vaginal pH balance can contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria, including: