Women who have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected. Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them. Scientific studies suggest that BV is common in women of reproductive age. BV is generally more commonly seen in women attending STD clinics than in those attending family planning or prenatal clinics. Women with BV often have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse.
Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all. In most cases, BV causes no complications. PID can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes enough to increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.