In women of reproductive age, BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge.

Women are more likely to get BV if they:

• are sexually active
• have recently changed sexual partner
• have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• are smokers
• have a copper coil for contraception
• use bubble bath

Women are less likely to get BV if:

• they use the combined oral contraceptive pill
• they have a partner who has had a circumcision
• their partner uses a condom