Must-Know Facts About the Most Common Cause of Stinky Hoo-Ha

2. It’s Not an STD
BV is an overgrowth of the natural bacteria of the vagina—it’s not at all sexually transmitted, says Sasan. In fact, BV is distinctly a vaginal infection, so men can’t get it, she adds. That said, sex can be a risk factor. “When you have intercourse, semen or even the lubrication of a condom can change your vaginal PH,” says Sasan, who adds that, “it’s not that you caught it from your partner.” Other risk factors: Stress, being sick, a course of antibiotics, or another infection in your body can all change the natural flora of your hoo-ha, says Sasan.

3. Lesbians Are at an Increased Risk
Turns out, bacterial vaginosis is more common in women who have sex with women, says Sasan. Why? Docs aren’t quite sure, but lesbians may have more oral sex—and the microbial flora of the mouth could lead to an unstable environment for the vagina, she says.

4. BV is the Most Common Cause of Vaginal Discharge
“Forty to 50 percent of women will have BV at some point within their childbearing years,” says Sasan. And even though many tend to think yeast infections are the most common cause of down-there discharge, the literature suggests BV takes the cake, says Sasan.

5. You’ll Need an Antibiotic
There are two ways to treat BV—neither of which is OTC (back away from the drugstore aisle). The options: an oral antibiotic called Flagyl, which you take twice a day for seven days or a vaginal treatment called metronidazole, which you insert into the vagina at bedtime for five nights. Which one’s best? That really depends on your preference, says Sasan. Most ladies prefer the by-mouth dose, but if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to opt for the down-there application as Flagyl can sometimes upset the stomach, she says.