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Overview
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can increase your risk of getting an STI such as chlamydia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
- an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex
- a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery
Half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching.
Causes
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if:
- you're sexually active (but women who have not had sex can also get bacterial vaginosis)
- you have had a change of partner
- you have an IUD (contraception device)
- you use perfumed products in or around your vagina
Bacterial vaginosis is not an STI, even though it can be triggered by sex.
A woman can pass it to another woman during sex.
You're more likely to get an STI if you have bacterial vaginosis. This may be because it makes your vagina less acidic and reduces your natural defences against infection.
Treatment Options
Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or gels or creams.
These are prescribed by a GP or sexual health clinic.
If you have a same-sex partner, they may also need treatment.
Prevention Tips
There are things you can do to help relieve symptoms and prevent bacterial vaginosis returning.
- use water and plain soap to wash your genital area
- have showers instead of baths
- do not use perfumed soaps, bubble bath, shampoo or shower gel in the bath
- do not use vaginal deodorants, washes or douches
- do not put antiseptic liquids in the bath
- do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear
- do not smoke
When To See A Doctor
See a GP if you think you have bacterial vaginosis. The condition is not usually serious, but if you have it you may need to be treated with antibiotics.
Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy
If you develop bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy, there's a small chance of complications, such as premature birth or miscarriage. It is important to seek treatment.
But bacterial vaginosis causes no problems in the majority of pregnancies.
Speak to a GP or your midwife if you're pregnant and your vaginal discharge changes.
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