Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that can happen when the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
- Abnormal grey or white discharge which may be more noticeable during your period and after sex.
- An unpleasant or “fishy” smell.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
The cause of BV is not fully understood. The vagina contains a range of bacteria which helps keep it healthy. BV develops when there is a change in the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Who gets bacterial vaginosis and how common is it?
You are more likely to develop BV if you are sexually active. We don’t know if BV is transmitted through sex, or whether sexual activity causes BV by disturbing the vaginal balance. Studies show that douching (washing inside your vagina), having a new sexual partner, not using condoms, or, for people with vaginas, having a partner with a vagina, have all been linked to BV. BV can also be present at the same time as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory testing. To accurately diagnose BV, your health professional may take a swab from your vagina. To do this, they may seek your consent to put a speculum into your vagina. A speculum is a device used to hold the walls of your vagina apart so your cervix and vagina can be examined, and a swab sample collected. The swab collects a small amount of discharge which is examined under a microscope. Swabs may also be sent to a pathology lab for confirmation.
When is treatment needed?
BV will sometimes clear up without treatment; however treatment is recommended if:
- You have symptoms
- You are having a gynaecological procedure like a termination of pregnancy
- You are pregnant.
BV is treated with either antibiotic tablets or a vaginal antibiotic cream for 7 days.
What can happen if bacterial vaginosis is not treated?
50% of people with BV do not have any symptoms. Many people will not need any treatment. In most cases, if left untreated BV causes no complications.
For some people, BV may cause more serious complications.
It has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery and low birth weight of babies. BV may contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the pelvic organs) following surgery to the upper genital tract.
How can I prevent bacterial vaginosis?
BV is not completely understood and the best ways to prevent it are unknown. However, you can help by:
- Not douching
- Not using bath oils or bubble bath
- Not washing your genitals with soap and body wash.
Will bacterial vaginosis come back again?
BV can come back after you have had treatment. If this happens you may need more antibiotic treatment. You should see your GP or sexual health clinic who will check whether you need more treatment.
If you need more information or have any questions, please contact the Canberra Sexual Health Centre on (02) 5124 2184 or talk to your GP.
Other resources:
- Bacterial vaginosis - STI Testing and Prevention - Stay STI Free (also in other languages)
- Patient education: Bacterial vaginosis (Beyond the Basics) - UpToDate