Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina and characterised by vaginal discharge.

What is it?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - also known as gardnerella vaginalis - is not always transmitted through sexual intercourse, though it occurs mainly in sexually active women. The vagina normally contains several types of harmless bacteria that work together to defend against harmful germs, such as thrush or candida. When there is a change in the balance of these bacteria and some thrive while others do not, BV can occur because the natural balance is upset.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, rather than a single bacterium, which causes an imbalance of the vagina's natural flora and leads to an increased discharge and an unpleasant smell. Excessive use of scented soaps and strong detergents can also cause the infection.

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) symptoms are not usually painful and are quite often missed. You may detect some irritation or pain, but these symptoms usually go undetected, as the infection coats the walls of your vagina. The infection is most common amongst women of child-bearing age.

The main symptom of BV is vaginal discharge, which is often white-grey in colour and is more noticeable after having sex or just after a period. Another common bacterial vaginosis (BV) symptom is an unpleasant smell, which usually occurs after sexual intercourse. The infection may also change the odour of your menstrual blood.

What are the risks?

About one in every three women will experience BV at some point in their lives, and quite often the infection goes undetected because symptoms are often mild or do not occur at all. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is more common amongst women who have had an IUD or IUS inserted as a form of birth control, or in women who smoke.

It's important to use a bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment, because the infection can cause serious health complications if left untreated. If you have recently changed sexual partners, smoke or are in a same sex relationship, your risk of contracting the infection is higher. Other risks include complications during pregnancy – such as early labour or a miscarriage - and an increased risk of contracting HIV or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Can bacterial vaginosis (BV) be cured?

It's easy to find a bacterial vaginosis (BV) cure or treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, such as Metronidazole. This antibiotic can effectively treat a BV infection within just one week.

Metronidazole inhibits the bacteria's ability to spread through your body, and can help to reduce symptoms and ease discomfort within a few days of starting treatment. It works by attacking each bacterium individually, preventing the bacteria from multiplying and spreading, and eventually killing the infection.

The most often prescribed dosage of this treatment is a 400mg dosage tablet, which is taken twice a day for seven days. Alternatively, if you are not pregnant and do not usually experience negative side effects when taking prescription antibiotics, you have the option of taking a 2000mg tablet as a single one-day dosage.

Taking a bacterial vaginosis (BV) test

If you think that you may have the infection, you can either order a Gardnerella Vaginalis (BV) test or a BV Profile Swab test from us online. Alternatively, you can take a Full STI Screen test. You'll receive a test kit in the post; simply urinate in the specimen tube, and send it in a pre-paid envelope to our laboratory. They will test your sample and your results will be available in two to three days. If you test positive, then we can help you to find the right prescription treatment.