Quick Answer
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal microbial imbalance, not a sexually transmitted infection. It is treatable with metronidazole but recurs in ~50% of cases within 6 months. It is not caused by a pathogen but by a shift in the vaginal microbiome.
- Not an STI: vaginal dysbiosis, not infection
- Treatment: metronidazole (oral or gel)
- ~50% recurrence within 6 months
- Sexual activity can trigger it but does not cause it
Context Most Pages Skip
BV is the most common vaginal condition in reproductive-age women, yet it is not an STI. It is a microbial imbalance — too much Gardnerella, not enough Lactobacillus.
Key Facts
BV is not sexually transmitted but is associated with sexual activity. New or multiple partners can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. Treatment is metronidazole, but recurrence is common.
⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.