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Find out what the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are, what causes it, what treatment options are available & how you can help protect yourself from getting BV
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge in women who are of child-bearing age. It's an infection of the vagina and the good news is it’s usually easily treated.
What is BV?
There are many different bacteria and fungi that are naturally present in the vagina, called flora. Normal flora helps to keep the vagina healthy and prevent infections. However, sometimes, this balance of flora is thrown off, causing bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and so can also affect women who aren't sexually active. BV can, however, be triggered by sex and can increase the risk of contracting an STI.
What are the symptoms of BV?
You may notice:
• A white or grey discharge with a 'fishy' smell
• Discharge that's thin or watery
Usually there's no redness or soreness with BV, and half of women with BV don’t have any symptoms.
How can you get BV?
• Being sexually active
• Having a new partner
• STIs
• A copper intra-uterine contraceptive device (known as an IUD)
• Vaginal douching
• Bubble baths
• Smoking
What's the treatment for BV?
You'll be able to get some advice for BV from your pharmacist. They may recommend you try a gel that’s applied to the vagina before bedtime.
If over-the-counter remedies are not effective or your symptoms get worse, you’ll need to see your GP. Your doctor may decide to give you a prescription for antibiotics. These come as tablets to take, or gels or creams to insert into the vagina. Some need to be taken as a course over a week, while others are given as a one-time only dose.
If your GP is unsure whether your symptoms are coming from an STI, you may be asked to have further tests.
If you're not certain whether you have BV or an STI, visit a sexual health clinic where you can also have further tests done to exclude STIs.
What happens if I get BV while I'm pregnant?
In most cases, BV poses no risk to pregnant women, but, in a very small number of cases, there can be a risk of complications. If you notice that your discharge has changed during pregnancy, make sure you check it out with your midwife or GP.
How can I help prevent BV?
If you're getting BV often, see if the following things help to avoid another episode. Otherwise, speak to your GP who'll be able to make sure that you're not getting symptoms from something other than BV.
• Use water and plain soap to wash your genital area
• Avoid using vaginal deodorants, perfumed soaps or douches
• Take a shower instead of baths
• If you smoke, try to cut back or quit altogether
• Using condoms can help protect against BV
What are the next steps?
• Speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you think you've got bacterial vaginosis
• Visit a sexual health clinic if you're unsure whether your symptoms are caused by an STI or BV
• Avoid using perfumed shower gels, vaginal deodorants or douches which disrupt the natural vaginal flora
With our Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Service you can be assessed by a clinician and get treatment discreetly and conveniently at a time that works for you.*
*Subject to availability and clinician approval. Charges apply.
