Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a common genital disease affecting women primarily during the childbearing years. It occurs when the vagina's pH balance is altered by bacteria, making the environment more acidic. The result of this pH imbalance is itching and an unpleasant odor in the vagina. Many women become embarrassed when this happens. The symptoms for bacterial vaginosis are not the same for all women, and just because you have them it doesn't mean that you necessarily have BV. Read more...