Risk Factors for Bacterial vaginosis

About risk factors: Risk factors for Bacterial vaginosis are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Bacterial vaginosis makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Bacterial vaginosis. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Bacterial vaginosis. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center.

Risk factor list: The list of risk factors mentioned for Bacterial vaginosis in various sources includes:

Risk factors discussion: Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk:

Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners

Douching

Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications of BV.¹

The role of sexual activity in the development of BV is not understood. Additionally, intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase the risk of acquiring bacterial vaginosis. ²

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): DSTD
2. excerpt from Vaginal Infections & Vaginitis: NWHIC

Last revision: June 23, 2003

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