What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (often shortened to BV) is a bacterial infection and the common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. It is not an STI but can be transmitted between partners who both have a vagina. It does not affect people with penises. 

What Causes BV?

BV is a result of an imbalance of the natural bacteria in the vagina. Having sex or using sex toys can trigger BV, but it is not an STI. These can be caused by many reasons; however, the main causes are: 

  • Getting an IUD 
  • Over washing the vagina, using harsh, perfumed products or douching 
  • Being sexually active (non-sexually active people can still get BV) 
  • Some medications including antibiotics and pessaries 
  • A change of sexual partner 

Symptoms

Symptoms of BV include:  

  • Unusual discharge that has a strong ‘fishy’ odour 
  • More discharge than usual  
  • Thin, grey, watery discharge  

BV does not usually cause any itching, irritation or soreness, and half of people with BV do not have any symptoms. 

Prevention and protection

You are more likely to get an STI if you have BV, so condoms and dental dams are recommended if you are sexually active, along with regular STI testing. 

Best practice to avoid BV is to: 

  • Not douche (clean inside the vagina), the vagina is self-cleaning. Use a washcloth and warm water or unscented plain soap to wash the vulva only. 
  • Avoid using perfumes, bubble baths, bath bombs, antiseptic liquids etc  
  • Take showers instead of baths. If you take baths, use plain water. 
  • Avoid strong detergents to wash clothes including underwear  
  • Avoid smoking  

Treatment for BV BV is treated with antibiotic gels, tablets or creams. These are prescribed by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If your partner has a vagina, they will also require treatment. 

Where to get help in Bexley

If you have symptoms, you can book an appointment at your GP, or local sexual health clinic. Some pharmacies offer over the counter BV treatment if you have had it before and are showing the same symptoms. 

What happens at your appointment?

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms. They may need to examine your vagina and take a sample of any discharge using a small swab (cotton bud) to confirm a BV diagnosis. Treatment will be prescribed if you test positive, along with advice on how to avoid reinfection.  

If your partner has a vagina, they will advise you to let them know so they can be treated at the same time. 

Complications of BV

There are no complications, however BV can keep coming back. If you get it more than 4 times in a year, you may be prescribed an antibiotic gel to use for a few months to prevent it coming back. It may also be useful to find what is triggering the recurrent infection to prevent recurrence. 

BV in Pregnancy

Pregnancy can sometimes cause BV. Developing BV in pregnancy has a slight chance of complications such as premature birth, low birth weight or miscarriage, however it can still be treated and does not generally cause harm to your baby. Your GP or midwife will best advise you on how to proceed if you have BV. 

Other STIs