Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Any woman can get BV. Some women with BV don't know they have it because they have no symptoms. Women who have never had sexual intercourse may also be affected by BV, and it is common in pregnant women. Having BV can increase a woman's susceptibility to other STDs. Pregnant women may deliver premature or low birth-weight babies. What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning. How common is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. In the United States, BV is common in pregnant women. How do people get bacterial vaginosis? The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally ...