What Causes BV?
2. Etiology
As previously mentioned, in BV the lactobacilli population is greatly diminished while the population of other anaerobes and Gardnerella vaginalis increases. Some of the risk factors associated with the development of BV are tub bathing (especially bubble bath), having multiple sexual partners, douching, use of an intrauterine device, using over-the-counter intravaginal hygiene products, high frequency of intercourse, and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases.
These factors contribute to the development of BV as it disrupts the normal vaginal flora. There is some evidence that shows the use of hormonal contraception that uses progestin or combination of progestin and estrogen is protective for the development of BV.
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