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Women who have a single sexual partner are at risk of a recurrence of vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis, reports Livescience.

Although the prevalence of the condition that causes pain and itching in the vagina is mostly found in women with multiple partners, the new study found that sexual activities of women recovering from the condition can predict the risk of the infection coming back.

Researchers say that use of protection even after treatment of the infection will lower the risk of recurrence.

Bacterial vaginosis, according to the National institute of Child Health and Human Development, is common in women of childbearing age. The infection occurs when levels of certain bacteria start increasing in the vagina. Using antibiotics, wearing intrauterine devices and having unprotected sex are all linked to the infection.

Dr. Jane Schwebke, professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who was not involved in the new study, told Livescience that back in the 80s, studies conducted on the subject did find a link between sexual partners and bacterial vaginosis. However, the study designs used in the research was flawed and so couldn't be repeated.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says that health experts aren't sure about the role of sexual activity in the development of bacterial vaginosis.

In the present study, researchers assessed data obtained from 450 women from Melbourne, Australia, who had symptoms of the infection. These women were given treatments and were asked to complete questionnaires at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months.

Researchers found that women who had the same sex partners before and after bacterial vaginosis were at a high risk of developing the infection again. The risk was also related with inconsistent use of condoms.

The study is published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.