Who is affected by bacterial vaginosis


Content provided by Healthwise
small text medium text large text

Who is affected by bacterial vaginosis


Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age in the United States. Although bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, it rarely develops in women who have never been sexually active.1

  • About half of women who have bacterial vaginosis do not have symptoms.2
  • As many as 23% of pregnant women are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.3 Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy more than doubles the risk of preterm delivery.4
  • Black women have higher rates of bacterial vaginosis than those of any other racial or ethnic group.5
  • Women with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have a higher rate of bacterial vaginosis than women without STDs.5
  • Women with only female sex partners have a higher rate of bacterial vaginosis than women with only male sex partners.5
  • Bacterial vaginosis recurs in about 1 out of 3 treated women.2
  • Sexually abused children are known to have developed bacterial vaginosis.6

References


Citations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002). Diseases characterized by vaginal discharge section of Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR, 51(RR-6): 42–48.

  2. Joesoef MR, Schmid G (2005). Bacterial vaginosis. Clinical Evidence (13): 1968–1978.

  3. Guise JM, et al. (2001). Screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 20(3, Suppl): 62–72.

  4. Leitich H, et al. (2003). Bacterial vaginosis as a risk factor for preterm delivery: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 189(1): 139–147.

  5. Schmid GP (1999). The epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 67: S17–S20.

  6. McGregor JA, French JI (2000). Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey, 55(5): S1–S19.

Credits


Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Author Lila Havens
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD

- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH

- Infectious Disease
Last Updated May 5, 2006

Healthwise Logo
Last updated: May 05, 2006
Author: Lila Havens
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

Search


Where Does it Hurt?

body symptoms

If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.