What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis can be caused by a number of different bacteria including Gardnerella Vaginalis. Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of the natural flora in the vagina. Women with Bacterial Vaginosis have a more alkaline PH balance in their vagina than normal.
What are the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Women who are suffering with Bacterial Vaginosis will often have a grey discharge from their vagina that has a strong fishy smell. There may be more discharge after the woman has had sex or during the time of her period. Bacterial Vaginosis is not normally accompanied by any itching or vaginal soreness but the presence of such symptoms does not rule out BV.
Is Bacterial Vaginosis sexually transmitted?
Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, though it is most frequently suffered by women who are sexually active and by women who started to have sex at a young age. Bacterial Vaginosis does seem to be more prevalent in women who have had more sexual partners.
Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when there is a change in the balance of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, though why this happens is not fully understood.
The presence of a bacterium called Gardnerella is an indication of BV. Men may have Gardnerella in their urethra; this does not usually result in any symptoms and treatment is not normally necessary. Many men who have a positive test result for Gardnerella will, however, ask to be treated. We are happy to offer this treatment free of charge, if it is required.
Can I be tested and treated for Bacterial Vaginosis?
Yes, at Home Diagnostics we can provide you with an easy to use test for Bacterial Vaginosis, which requires two vaginal swabs. This provides a comprehensive test for a variety of bacteria and yeasts that may cause vaginitis. We also have tests for Trichomoniasis and Gardnerella separately but the BV test is more comprehensive and better value. The BV test is only suitable for female patients.
What the test covers
- Gardnerella
- Trichomoniasis
- Candida
- Bacterial Culture
Is having Bacterial Vaginosis serious?
Generally, Bacterial Vaginosis is nothing to worry about and around one in three women will have the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis at some point in their lives. If you are pregnant there is a risk that Bacterial Vaginosis can cause you to go into early labour and also to have a baby of low birth weight.
There is also a risk of Bacterial Vaginosis following the termination of a pregnancy or an operation such as a hysterectomy. In these instances Metronidazole is normally prescribed on a precautionary basis.
Can I do anything to reduce the incidence of Bacterial Vaginosis?
If you suffer with Bacterial Vaginosis on a regular basis then we suggest you:
- Do not douche your vagina, as this can lead to a disturbance of the bacterial balance.
- Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear.
- Do not add antiseptics to bathing water or use scented soap to wash your vagina.
- Do not wash your vagina too often.