Bacterial vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection of the vagina. Research shows that BV affects up to 30% of women at some stage in their life. Sexually active women of all ages can be affected

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

More than half of all women with BV do not have any symptoms. But some women may experience symptoms, such as:

• a watery, white, grey or greenish vaginal discharge
• an unpleasant or ‘fishy’ smell
• discomfort and itching
• a burning sensation when weeing.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

BV is caused by an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in your vagina. Most cases are related to sexual activity, but other factors can increase your risk.

Women may be more likely to experience BV if they:

• have had multiple sexual partners during their lifetime
• have a new sexual partner
• practise unprotected sex
• practise douching, which allows ‘bad’ bacteria to grow
• have a copper intrauterine device (IUD).

How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history and sexual history, including details about past sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They will also ask to examine your vagina. Your doctor may take a vaginal swab to test for abnormal bacteria or do a pH test to check the acidity of your vagina.

Treatments for bacterial vaginosis

BV is usually treated with a course of antibiotics taken as tablets or applied into your vagina as a cream or gel. You will need to take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms go away before the end of the course. Stopping treatment early may increase the risk of the infection coming back.

BV can reoccur with sexual contact, so avoid sexual activity until you have finished your antibiotics and your symptoms have gone. Research shows that when a male partner is also treated, it may prevent the infection coming back.

BV can spread between female sexual partners. So, if your partner is female and you have been diagnosed with BV, encourage them to follow up with their doctor.

What you can do

Safer sexual practices, for example, using condoms, can protect against infection, regardless of your sexual partner’s gender.

Avoid using perfumed products, for example, toilet paper, tampons, pads, soaps and washes, in and around your vagina.

Don’t use any douches, as they cause an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, which increases the risk of vaginal infection.

Recurring bacterial vaginosis

Risks of bacterial vaginosis

BV can increase the risk of:

• pregnancy and birth issues
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia or gonorrhoea
• infection after surgery, for example, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery via the abdomen)
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries that can lead to infertility.

When to see your doctor

BV symptoms can be similar to those of other infections, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any BV symptoms, see your doctor.

Related resources

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