Quick Answer
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) 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.
- BV is the most common vaginal condition in reproductive-age women.
- Not an STI: vaginal dysbiosis, not an infection.
- Treatment: metronidazole (oral or gel).
- ~50% recurrence within 6 months.
Context Most Pages Skip
BV is the most common vaginal condition, yet it is not an STI.
⚕️ 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.