What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

The vagina normally contains many different types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are ‘friendly’ but others are potentially harmful – there is a delicate balance between the two types. The healthy vagina is slightly acidic (pH 3.8–4.5) and these acid levels keep the harmful bacteria under control.
Bacterial vaginosis (also known as BV) is a condition that arises when there is an imbalance between these types of bacteria and an overgrowth of the harmful bacteria associated with an increase in pH as the vagina becomes less acidic. BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge and affects up to 1 in 3 women, including up to 20% of pregnant women³.

³ https://www.gezondheid.be/index.cfm?fuseaction=art&art_id=1483