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Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial  Vaginosis (BV) is the most common form of vaginal infection, being twice as common as thrush, for which it is often mistaken.  However, (just like thrush), it’s not really a sexually transmitted infection.  It occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and an increase in harmful bacteria takes places.  It is not a single bacterium (bug) that causes BV but when an ‘overgrowth’ of various bacteria occurs.  1 in 10 women will have BV at some point and evidence suggests that it is more common is lesbians than other women.

Transmission

The cause of BV is not fully understood.  It can develop after sexual contact; when using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control; and after douching.  The only commonality is that something takes place that disrupts the balance between good and harmful bacteria.  You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools or from touching objects you come into contact with.

Symptoms

The signs of BV are:

  • Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant musty smell.
  • A strong fish like odour after sexual intercourse.
  • A burning sensation when urinating.
  • Itching around the vagina and irritation.

These can also be symptoms of other infections, so it is best to visit your local sexual health clinic so you can have an examination.  They may also take a sample of vaginal fluid to be tested.

Treatment

BV is treated with antibiotics, usually Metronidazole or Clindmycin.  It is however possible to get a re-infection of BV after you have been treated.

Pregnant women with symptoms of BV or those who have had a previous low birth weight or a premature baby should be tested for BV.  The same antibiotics can be used with pregnant women, however the amount of antibiotic prescribed may vary.

BV, in most cases, does not cause any further medical problems however if it remains untreated it can cause:

  • Pregnancy problems such as low birth weight (below five pounds) or premature delivery.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) an infection that affects the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • Having BV increases the risk of getting PID after surgery. 
  • BV can increase the risks of getting other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV positive women who get BV, increase the risk of passing on HIV to their partners.

How to avoid it

  • Wear cotton underwear.
  • Avoid vaginal douching.
  • Cut down on sugar and alcohol.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Don’t use strong soaps/bubble baths when you wash.
  • Combat stress through relaxation, massage and sleep.
  • Wipe from ‘front to back’ to avoid spreading bacteria.