Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Statistics

Prevalence

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among women, but it is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV. The prevalence in the United States is estimated to be 21.2 million (29.2%) among women ages 14–49, based on a nationally representative sample of women who participated in NHANES 2001–2004. The following are other findings from this study.

• Most women found to have BV (84%) reported no symptoms.
• Women who have not had vaginal, oral, or anal sex can still be affected by BV (18.8%), as can pregnant women (25%), and women who have ever been pregnant (31.7%).
• Prevalence of BV increases based on lifetime number of sexual partners.
• Non white women have higher rates (African-American 51%, Mexican Americans 32%) than white women (23%).

Source: Koumans EH, Sternberg M, Bruce C, McQuillan G, Kendrick J, Sutton M, Markowitz LE. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the United States, 2001-2004; associations with symptoms, sexual behaviors, and reproductive health.
Sex Transm Dis. 2007 Nov;34(11):864-9.