Bacterial Vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Many women will have bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common infection, at some point in their lives. It happens when your vagina's bacterial balance shifts, which can happen for a variety of reasons. Unusual vaginal discharge is frequently caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Because of the naturally acidic pH of the vagina and the delicate balance of different beneficial bacteria, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is very prevalent.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it does raise your risk of contracting one, like chlamydia.

How do I know I have Bacterial Vaginosis?

Visit a sexual health clinic or GP, the doctor may:

• Inquire about your past medical records. Your physician might inquire about any previous STIs or vaginal infections you've had.
• Do a pelvic examination
• Take a vaginal discharge sample

Check the pH in your vagina. You can measure the acidity of your vagina with a pH strip. The test strip is inserted into your vagina. A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Thrush Vs BV

There are other causes of vaginal discharge than BV. Discharge can result from a number of illnesses, including STIs and thrush.

Thrush is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast candida, which normally resides in the intestine.

Thrush usually results in a thick, white or grey discharge that tends to itch and hurt in the area surrounding the vulva and vagina. 

How to prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Avoid using perfumed products. Use warm water to wash your genitalia. Vaginal tissues can become inflamed by scented soaps and other scented products. Use only unscented pads or tampons.

Avoid douching. Douching won't get rid of an infection in the vagina. In fact, it might get worse. Other than taking a regular bath, there is no need to clean your vagina. The vaginal flora is disturbed by douching, which increases the risk of infection.

Have safe sex. Use dental dams or latex condoms to reduce your chance of contracting STIs. Make sure all sex toys are clean. Don't have sex, or limit the amount of partners you have.

What causes bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

When the natural bacterial levels in the vagina are out of balance, bacterial vaginosis occurs. The term "vaginal flora" refers to the microorganisms (bacteria) found in the vagina.

Healthy vagina are maintained by a balanced vaginal flora. "Good" bacteria typically outweigh "bad" germs in numbers.

Anaerobes are bad bacteria, whereas lactobacilli are the healthy bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by anaerobes that overpower the flora and throw off the delicate balance.

How can I treat bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be managed at home using an oral medication or internal gel that helps to maintain the proper pH balance of your vagina. Tablets, gels, or creams containing antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Some medications used to treat BV are:

• Metronidazole 400mg Tablets
• Zidoval Vaginal Gel
• Canestest

These are recommended by a sexual health clinic or GP. If you have a same-sex partner, they may also need treatment.

What are some symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

A prominent symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an odour that is sometimes characterised as "fishy-smelling."

Additional signs and symptoms may consist of:

• vaginal discharge that watery
• white vaginal discharge with a greyish tint
• worsening of the above mentioned symptoms during or after sex or your menstrual cycle
• vaginal itching
• burning during urination

Since everyone is different, it is possible to have BV without experiencing any symptoms. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, and it typically does not cause pain or discomfort. However, if you do develop symptoms, it is advisable to visit your GP or a sexual health clinic for assessment.