bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is a change in the natural pH balance in the vagina. As a result, the ‘good bacteria’, protective microbiome are in short supply which then allows certain, harmful bacteria to grow. This leads to common BV symptoms; strong vaginal odour and excess watery discharge.

There are many causes for this to happen. It could be a new sexual partner (semen can alter the vagina’s pH), contraception (specifically an intrauterine device aka IUD) or even just having a period as hormonal changes can also affect the microbiome of the vagina.

Often the symptoms are mild and they settle on their own. If not, there are vaginal gels/pessaries available over the counter that restore the natural Ph level and promote the growth of good bacteria. It is advisable to try these first, as balancing the microbiome helps to reduce the growth of unwanted harmful bacteria.

Sometimes the symptoms are significant, and persistent in which case antibiotics may be needed. The most common antibiotic prescribed to treat BV is Metronidazole. Antibiotics should only be used if potential benefit outweighs risks. Antibiotics can always lead to even further imbalance in the natural microbiome, sometimes causing recurrent symptoms for that reason, or other types of symptoms, such as diarrhoea or thrush.

If you have symptoms of BV and over the counter treatment has not been successful, please contact your GP.

You should always seek urgent in-person medical assessment if you experience any new abdominal or pelvic pain, or feel unwell in yourself. Please always contact your GP or midwife if you have BV symptoms and you are pregnant.

Please find more information about bacterial vaginosis here:

https://balanceactiv.com/condition/bacterial-vaginosis/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/