The vagina normally has a balance of mostly good bacteria and fewer harmful bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis develops when the balance changes. With Bacterial Vaginosis there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria. Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Not much is known about how women get Bacterial Vaginosis, There are certain things that can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, raising your risk of Bacterial Vaginosos and these can include having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, douching, using an intrauterine device for birth control and not using a condom.

Bacterial Vaginosis is more common amoung females who are sexually active, but it is not clear how sex changes the balance of bacteria. You can get Bacterial Vaginosis from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools and touching objects around you.