Introduction
In this blog, we will look at what bacterial vaginosis is, what it is caused by, its symptoms, how to treat it, and what to do if it is recurrent, as well as other resources available to help you if you suffer from BV.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can occur when the normal bacteria balance in the vagina is disrupted.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
BV can occur when the normal balance of bacteria inside the vagina is disrupted. This change in balance can be caused by:
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Being sexually active (although women who are not sexually active can still get BV).
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Using an IUD.
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Having a change in sexual partner.
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Using perfumed or scented products in or around your vagina.
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it can be triggered by sex, and a woman can pass it to another woman during sex.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
Symptoms of BV most often include:
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Unusual, watery vaginal discharge (typically white, grey, or off-white in colour) with a strong fishy or musty odour, especially after sex.
In rare instances, you may also experience:
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Itching or irritation around the vagina.
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Burning during urination.
Approximately half of women with BV do not experience any symptoms.
BV is sometimes confused with thrush, as some of the symptoms (such as unusual vaginal discharge) are the same. However, with thrush, there is no odour associated with the abnormal vaginal discharge–with BV, there is a strong fishy or musty odour accompanying the unusual discharge. You can learn more about thrush in our blog here.
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In some cases, BV has been linked to early pregnancy loss (miscarriage), premature labour, and low infant birth weight. If you are pregnant and think you may have BV, or experience any change in your vaginal discharge, you should speak with your doctor. |
How do I treat bacterial vaginosis?
BV often goes away by itself, and most people with BV do not experience complications, but it can still be uncomfortable, and you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you think you have it (especially if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant).
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It’s important to know that if you have BV, you are more likely to contract an STI, such as chlamydia. This is because BV makes the vagina less acidic and reduces your natural defences against an infection. You should also know that some antibiotics and creams, such as those used to treat BV, can cause contraceptives like condoms to be less effective. |
One of the most common ways to treat BV is with vaginal pessaries, such as Canesbalance or Balance Activ. Both of these products contain 7 pessaries which are inserted into the vagina (1 pessary every day for a week) and which are designed to ease BV symptoms and restore the pH balance and flora of the vagina.
There are also BV gels available, such as Canesbalance. This triple-action gel (used once a day for 7 days) is formulated to treat and prevent BV, helping to restore and maintain the vagina’s natural pH balance.
Most treatments that involve inserting a medication into the vagina should be used at night, as they are less likely to become dislodged while you are lying down sleeping.
To help relieve symptoms and prevent BV from coming back, you may also find it helpful to take showers instead of baths, and to use water and plain soap to wash your genital area.
When it comes to treating and preventing recurrent BV, you should avoid the following:
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Perfumed soaps, bubble baths, shampoos, or shower gels.
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Vaginal deodorants, washes, or douches.
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Using strong detergents when washing your underwear.
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Smoking.
Recurring bacterial vaginosis
It’s fairly common for BV to come back, usually within a few months of it initially being resolved. If it does come back, you will need to treat it again, usually with more antibiotics.
If you keep getting BV (more than 4 times within a year), you may be given a special antibiotic gel that is inserted into the vagina.
If you have recurrent BV, it is especially important to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit a sexual health clinic.
Other resources
Daye is a women’s health company specialising in gynaecological health, to include period care and pain as well as general vaginal health. They offer a Vaginal Microbiome Screen which tests for BV as well as thrush, STIs, fertility complications, and other gynaecological health complications via an at-home screening tampon which is then mailed off to a lab. You also have the option of consulting with one of their experts after you get your test results.
In summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that is usually identified by unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong, fishy odour; you should be careful not to confuse BV with thrush, which does not have an odour associated with it. Although in many instances BV will resolve on its own, it is possible to treat. If you are pregnant or have recurrent episodes of BV, it is especially important to speak with your doctor or pharmacist.