Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. The vagina contains many different bacteria that help keep it slightly acidic. If the normal balance of bacteria changes, BV can develop. The cause of BV can vary from person to person.

Those who are sexually active are more likely to get BV. It is still unknown if BV is transmitted through sex, or if it develops when sex changes the normal balance of vaginal bacteria.

You may be more likely to get BV if you:

• have a new sexual partner
• douche or clean your vagina with soap or other products
• don’t use condoms or dams

Often people will have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they might be:

• a strong ‘fishy’ smell from the vagina
• an unusual, watery, grey-ish vaginal discharge
• itching/irritation around the vagina and vulva

The symptoms may be more noticeable at certain times of the menstrual cycle.

Your health professional will take a vaginal swab to test the discharge to confirm if you have BV. Bacterial vaginosis is sometimes found when testing for other conditions such as thrush.

If you don’t have any symptoms, you don’t need any treatment. Treatment is recommended if you:

• have symptoms
• are pregnant
• have a partner who has BV
• are going to have surgery in the uterus (e.g. insertion of an intrauterine device or an abortion)

BV is usually treated with oral antibiotics or a vaginal antibiotic gel. Treatment usually works in the short-term, but people may get a recurrence of BV within three months to a year of treatment. If it does recur, it is important to go back to your health professional for assistance.

Recent clinical trials have found that BV is more likely to be cured if sexual partners complete treatment at the same time. Treating BV in a relationship is a shared responsibility. Condoms and/or dams may reduce the chance of BV coming back.

Excessive washing will not help the odour and may cause irritation. Gently wash your genital area with plain water or a soap substitute. If you’re experiencing itching or irritation, an ice pack or cool bath may help.

BV is common and most people with BV never have any serious issues. However, if untreated it may be associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and a higher risk of other infections.

In pregnancy, BV can cause miscarriage, premature delivery or low birth weight. If you are pregnant and have BV, discuss with your healthcare provider.

If you have BV, the chance of infection of the uterus after certain operations is higher. You may be given antibiotics, even if you don’t have any symptoms, to reduce the chance of infection.