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Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of "good" bacteria and some "bad" bacteria in the vagina. The good types help control the growth of the bad types. With bacterial vaginosis, the balance is upset. There are not enough good bacteria and too many bad bacteria. This can cause a discharge from the vagina that may smell fishy.
The infection may go away on its own in a few days. Antibiotics can help.
Current as of: November 22, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Thomas M. Bailey MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Devika Singh MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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