What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common type of bacterial overgrowth that leads to vaginal discharge and odor. Up to 1/3 of all women will develop bacterial vaginosis at some point. Bacterial vaginosis is often asymptomatic in many women. Left untreated, bacterial vaginosis has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, premature birth and miscarriage, and increased HIV risk.