Loading...
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with preterm delivery and upper genital tract infections; thus, strategies to prevent BV, identify risk factors, and rectify this alteration in vaginal flora continue to be explored. To investigate whether engaging in vaginal intercourse increases the likelihood of acquiring BV, investigators collected data from female students (age range, 18–22) at the University of Washington who had not previously had sexual intercourse. Every 4 months, participants completed health and sexual-activity questionnaires and underwent human papillomavirus testing and clinical assessment for BV. Additionally, self-collected vaginal swabs were analyzed for DNA of 10 bacterial species. Results from the first visit were com…