Chapter 5, Sexually Transmitted Infections

is the most prevalent cause of vaginal discharge or malodor, but up to 50% to 75% of women are asymptomatic. Note that risk factors include having multiple sex partners, douching, and lack of vaginal lactobacilli. Bacterial vaginosis can increase a woman’s susceptibility to other STIs such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (CDC, 2019b). ................
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