Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and may play a role in premature labor. The NICHD is one of many federal agencies and NIH Institutes working to understand BV and to educate women about what it is and how to avoid it. The NICHD supports and conducts research on the risks of BV and ways to prevent and treat it.
Common Names
- Bacterial vaginosis (pronounced back-TERE-ee-al vaj-in-NOH-sis)
- BV
Medical or Scientific Names
- Bacterial vaginosis
- BV
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