Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Every healthy vagina contains bacteria. Typically, these bacteria balance each other. Sometimes, the “bad” bacteria grow too much and overpower the “good” bacteria. This throws off the balance of bacteria in your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis may cause your vaginal discharge to have a “fishy” odor. It can also cause vaginal irritation in some people. Others may not have any symptoms of BV.

Symptoms

• Thin, vaginal discharge that may be gray, white, or green.
• Foul-smelling, “fishy” vaginal odor.
• Vaginal itching.
• Burning during urination.

Many people with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms.