Call Now Book an Appointment
bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis conditions, Symptoms and Treatment in London

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of naturally existing bacteria, leading to a vaginal imbalance. Common symptoms of this bacterial infection include a fishy smell with a grey or off-white vaginal discharge. However, vaginal discharge can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare practitioner.

Book us online

What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial Vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by a bacterial overgrowth leading to an imbalance. It is normal and healthy to find bacteria in the vagina. It gets unhealthy or bad when there is an overgrowth of the bacteria beyond the required amount. This causes an imbalance and, in turn, causes bacterial vaginosis.

This condition might cause discharge in your vagina and a fishy odour. Some people might also notice irritation in their vagina. While in some others, they may be asymptomatic.

Is this infection common?

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal problems faced by women aged 15 to 44. According to research, an estimated 35% of people with a vagina will have this infection at some point in their life. It is more common among black women.

Who is at risk of getting bacterial vaginosis?

Anyone who has a vagina is at risk of getting bacterial vaginosis. It is more common among sexually active people. People who have never had sex are at less risk of bacteria vaginosis. Generally, some people produce more BV-causing bacteria than others.

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Don’t use dental dams or condoms
  • Have multiple sexual partners
  • Are pregnant
  • Use douches
  • Have a new sexual partner
  • Have an IUD (intrauterine device)
  • Are taking antibiotics
  • Having sex with another female

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

A lot of people (84%) with bacterial vaginosis don’t show symptoms. Symptoms of this infection include:

  • Vaginal irritation or itching
  • Grey, off-white or greenish vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Fish-like smell from the vagina, especially after sex.

Symptoms of BV are similar to some sexually transmitted infections. It is very important to visit a healthcare practitioner to ascertain if you have BV or another vaginal infection.

How do I get bacterial vaginosis?

The vagina is a natural habitat for a lot of bacteria, making it a microbiome. Ensuring a balance of this bacteria helps prevent BV. Bacteria vaginosis occurs when anaerobes (bad bacteria) grow faster than lactobacilli (good bacteria). Too much of each one of the bacteria will lead to an imbalance. To avoid bacterial imbalance in the vagina leading to BV, people are advised against unprotected sex and douching. BV can’t be gotten from toilet seats, swimming pools, or hot tubs. BV, cannot be gotten when you come in contact with an infected person.

Is this infection contagious?

BV cannot be spread from one individual to the other. However, having sex can increase your risk of getting infected.

Is Bacterial vaginosis an STI or STD?

This infection can’t be spread through sexual activity. Research has been done showing that sex may change the vaginal environment, hence causing the overgrowth of bad bacteria.

What is the difference between yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are both vaginal infections and increase the amount of discharge. Here are some ways to tell the difference:

  • Vaginal irritation: yeast infections commonly cause irritation and itchiness, but BV does not.
  • Vaginal discharge: the common sign of bacteria vaginosis discharge is a fishy smell. Discharge from yeast infection is usually like cottage cheese without a strong smell.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) treatment: Yeast infections can easily be treated with OTC, but BV would need you to get prescriptions from your healthcare professional.

How do you know if you have BV?

Your healthcare provider will need to diagnose bacterial vaginosis to ascertain if you have it. You should also schedule an appointment with a healthcare personnel if you feel you have symptoms of BV. During your appointment, your healthcare professional will ask about your medical history, including past sexually transmitted infections and vaginal infections. Your healthcare professional may also:

  • Take a vaginal discharge sample: A speculum will be inserted into your vagina. Afterwards, a swab will be used to get a fluid sample from the vagina. This fluid is then sent to the ab to see the type of bacteria present.
  • Perform a pelvic exam: With the use of hand gloves, your medical professional will place their hands in your vagina to check for any sign of infection. This could be abnormal, coloured or foul-smelling discharge.

BV tests require the use of vaginal fluid. The sample collected may undergo any of the following tests.

  • Whiff test: Smelling your vagina to pick a fish-like smell
  • Wet mount: looking at the discharge from the vagina with the aid of a microscope
  • Vagial pH: this measures the acidity of the vaginal discharge. The presence of bacterial vaginosis may cause an increase in the pH.

How can I treat bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated by the use of antibiotics. Your healthcare practitioner may prescribe antibiotics like clindamycin or metronidazole. They are gel-like medications or come in creams and are applied inside the vagina. Some other medications are taken orally (swallowing) as pills. It is essential to follow the dosage and instructions given to you as prescribed. Stopping sooner because the symptom disappears may increase your chances of getting re-infected with BV.

Can bacterial vaginosis self-resolve?

There are cases of BV where the infection self-resolves without the use of medications. However, you should seek the help of a medical expert if you see any symptoms. Having BV increases your chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections and can adversely affect pregnancy.

Are there home treatments for BV?

Over-the-counter medications are not available for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Products meant for yeast infection or douches could worsen your situation. Always seek the help of a medical professional.

How long does this infection last?

Taking the right dosage of antibiotics for 7 days should eliminate this bacterial infection. Only about 10%-15% of the population require further treatment after the first treatment.

How can I lower my risk of Bacterial Vaginosis?

This vaginal condition can’t be prevented, but there are certain precautionary steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.

  • Reduce the number of sexual partners: You are at a higher risk of getting this infection if you have multiple sex partners.
  • Make use of condoms and dental dams: Latex condoms and dental dams are advisable because research shows a relationship between sexual activity and BV.
  • Wear cotton-lined or cotton underwear: Cotton helps absorb moisture as moist environments may promote bacterial activities.
  • Avoid douching: Douching changes the pH balance of vaginal bacteria. Practice healthy vaginal care.
  • Avoid vaginal contact with anything that has touched your anus: Materials like sex toys or toilet paper can transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Ensure you clean your sex toys properly after use.

Is there a chance of getting re-infected with BV?

Yes, there is a very high chance of getting re-infected with bacterial vaginosis.

Are there complications associated with BV?

There are no serious complications associated with BV, but it could lead to the following if untreated:

  • STIs: Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of getting STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If you develop Bacterial vaginosis when you have HIV, the chances of passing it on to your partner are really high.
  • Pregnancy complications: Bacterial vaginosis can lead to premature birth if you are pregnant.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory disease: This is a reproductive organ infection and, if left untreated, can cause difficulty in getting pregnant.

Should pregnant women get treated for Bacterial Vaginosis?

If you are pregnant and have BV, inform your health provider, and they will prescribe medications that are safe for usage when pregnant. Whether you are asymptomatic or not, make sure you get treated. Bacterial vaginosis can cause things like premature birth or a baby with low birth weight. Always inform your medical practitioner about any symptoms you might be noticing.

When should I inform my partner?

If your partner is a female at birth (AFAB), they may also have BV, and they should be informed so they can get treated. However, men and partners who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) don’t need to be treated for bacterial vaginosis.

When should I reach out to my healthcare professional?

You should reach out to them if:

  • Vaginal burning, itching, soreness or swelling
  • Vaginal discharge that affects the colour or consistency
  • Unusual smell from vaginal discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but they can be carriers of the bacteria causing BV. The men can get BV from an infected female and spread it to another female partner.

Yes, over 25% of pregnant people will get bacterial vaginosis. This results from the hormonal balance changes they experience during pregnancy.

If you and your partner are female and one of you is infected, you can take the following steps to protect yourself.

  • Always use dental dams during oral sex.
  • Wear your sex toys with a condom and replace them after use. Also, always use a condom when sharing the toy with a partner.

You can contact our healthcare professionals at STI Clinic UK for more information regarding bacterial vaginosis.