Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (or BV) is a common vaginal infection and the most common cause of unusual discharge in women, although 50% of women will have no symptoms at all. The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. You may notice a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a bacterial infection, it is not an STI but can be passed during sexual contact between women.

You can avoid bacterial vaginosis by using non-perfumed soap, strong detergent and changing tampons or sanitary pads frequently. Sometimes there is no known cause for bacterial vaginosis.

The most common symptom of Bacterial vaginosis is unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. You may notice a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

Bacterial vaginosis can be easily treated with antibiotics. Our UK registered prescriber will be able to advise you on the best treatment.

As with any medication there is a possibility of side effects. Some common side effects of Bacterial vaginosis treatment include nausea, you can find a full list of possible side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

At e-Surgery our UK based prescribers can provide you with a private prescription online for your bacterial vaginosis treatment.

Your bacterial vaginosis treatment will be sent from our UK based private pharmacy and sent via the Royal Mail to a delivery location of your choice in plain, discreet packaging.

While any woman can contract Bacterial Vaginosis, some people are more susceptible than others.

Here’s a list of common reasons women can develop BV:  

• You’re sexually active
• You’re douching regularly
• You’re taking antibiotics
• You smoke
• Using scented soaps or bubble baths

If you feel you have contracted BV, you should speak to your GP or Pharmacist as soon as possible. You can use e-Surgery’s free ‘Ask a Pharmacist’ service if you have any concerns about your health.

BV can go away on its own, but it is better for your health and wellbeing to treat it as soon as possible.

You can still have sex if you have BV as it is not sexually transmitted, but the symptoms may affect different forms of contraception. Symptoms of BV may also worsen so it is important to consider the impact sex may have on the condition. You should always inform your partner that you have BV before engaging in any sexual activity.

If left untreated, having BV while pregnant can increase the risk of a premature birth and having low birth rate. It is also linked to the increased likelihood of miscarriage, so it is extremely important that you inform your GP or Pharmacist if you think you have developed BV while you’re pregnant.

If you have been on antibiotics for BV but the symptoms persist or worsen, you should contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible so they can reassess your symptoms and prescribe you a different medication if needed or advise you on what you should do next.

Swimming is generally considered ok to do, but it important to remember that public swimming pools use Chlorine and other chemicals in the water to keep it clean, these chemicals can react with your Vagina in different ways.

While it is dependent on the medication you have been prescribed and how your body responds to it, it should usually take between 5 and 7 days for Bacterial Vaginosis to clear up.

It is important to limit the risk of contracting BV once you have fully recovered. Here’s some of the best ways to avoid it returning: 

• Practice safe sex
• Wear cotton underwear (or at least avoid wearing synthetic underwear)
• Avoid douching
• Use scent-free soaps

Practicing these will help in reducing your chances of BV coming back and are also good habits to adopt generally.