What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a common condition.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina.

It's normal to have vaginal discharge. But any change in what you usually experience might mean there is an underlying issue.

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

In about half of all cases of bacterial vaginosis, there are no symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they usually include:

• a white or greyish, watery vaginal discharge
• an unpleasant or'fishy' vaginal smell
• mild irritation around your vagina and vulva
• a burning sensation when urinating (weeing)

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of'bad' bacteria in your vagina.

Most cases of BV are related to sexual activity. However, BV is not a sexually transmitted infection.

You are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis if you:

• have had multiple sexual partners during your lifetime
• have a new sexual partner
• have unprotected sex — meaning you don't use condoms
• practice douching to clean your vagina
• have a copper intra-uterine device (IUD)
• have a sexual partner with a vagina
• are a smoker

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of BV, or a change in your normal vaginal discharge.

Some other conditions, such as thrush, can lead to changes in vaginal discharge. It's important to see your doctor to diagnose the cause of changes in vaginal discharge.

How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?

Your doctor or nurse will ask you about your symptoms and your medical and sexual history. They might also do a pelvic exam and take a swab from your vagina for testing. You may be able to take the swab yourself.

The vaginal sample will be examined under a microscope to look for abnormal bacteria. They may also do a pH test to check the acidity of your vagina.

How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

BV is usually treated with antibiotics. These may be given as tablets, or as a vaginal antibiotic cream or gel.

It's important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms go away quickly. Stopping treatment early may increase your risk of the infection coming back.

Avoid sexual activity until you have finished your treatment and your symptoms have gone.

Bacterial vaginosis can be spread between sexual partners with vaginas. If you have a sexual partner with a vagina, they should follow up with their doctor.

If you have BV and are pregnant, it's important to get treatment to avoid complications.

Can bacterial vaginosis be prevented?

There are some things you can do to help prevent BV:

• only use water to clean your vagina
• use barrier contraception, such as condoms, during any type of sex
• avoid douching
• don't use perfumed talcum powder or deodorants around your vagina
• stop smoking or vaping

What are the complications of bacterial vaginosis?

Having BV can put you at an increased risk of other conditions. These can include:

• sexually transmitted infections — such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
• pelvic inflammatory disease (inflammation of organs in your pelvic area)
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
• complications if you have a procedure such as insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)

Untreated BV during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications, such as:

• premature (early) birth
• miscarriage

See your doctor or midwife if you have symptoms of BV during pregnancy. Treatment of BV can help prevent pregnancy complications.

Resources and support

You can find information on bacterial vaginosis in languages other than English on the Stay STI Free website.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.