Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that affects people with a vagina.   

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of bacteria that is normally present in the vagina. A healthy vagina contains many types of bacteria, but an overgrowth of specific types can lead to bacterial vaginosis. 

Bacterial vaginosis can happen without sexual contact however; bacterial vaginosis is more common in people who are sexually active and it can be passed on from partners during sex too.  

If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can increase your risk of:  

• Getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including HIV 

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – causes pelvic pain and pregnancy complications 

• Pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage 

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics, or about 50% of people with bacterial vaginosis get better without treatment. 

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can include: 

• A change or increase in vaginal discharge (white/ grey colour or thin consistency) 
• Strong or ‘fishy’ smell from the vagina 
• Vaginal discomfort, irritation or itching 

Bacterial vaginosis is more common in people who are sexually active, but you can get it even if you have not had sex. Sexual contact can change the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, and the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can also be shared between sexual partners. 

Bacterial vaginosis is more common if you: 

• Have new or multiple sexual partners 

• Have sex without a condom 

• Have a partner who also has a vagina and share vaginal fluids during sex 

Other things that can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis include: 

• Vaginal douching (washing inside the vagina) 

• Using soaps, deodorants, or bath products in or around the vagina 

• Having an intrauterine device (IUD), especially a copper IUD 

• Menstruating (having your period) 

• Having another STI 

You can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis by: 

Testing is simple and confidential. It involves a swab from your vagina which can be done by the clinician, or you can often collect the swab yourself. 

Testing for bacterial vaginosis is not routinely done unless you have symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis and other STIs can often be tested at same appointment.  

Bacterial vaginosis cannot be tested for if you currently have your period or vaginal bleeding. 

• Any doctor’s office (GP) or medical centre 

• A sexual health clinic 

• University health clinics 

Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotics. Treatment may be:  

It is important to take the medication as directed, even if symptoms improve before you finish treatment. 

It is common for bacterial vaginosis to come back after treatment. More than 1 in 2 will have another episode within 6 to 12 months after treatment. If this happens often, treating partners may help, talk to your doctor about partner treatment. 

If bacterial vaginosis keeps coming back, some people try non-prescription products, such as boric acid vaginal capsules or probiotics. These may help some people, but there is not much evidence that they work. Antibiotics are still the recommended treatment for BV. 

If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, speak with a doctor or nurse about the best treatment option for you.