Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition affecting women, in which the balance of bacteria in the vagina becomes disrupted. This can often cause vaginal discharge; in fact, bacterial vaginosis is currently the most common cause of vaginal discharge in the western world, with over 100,000 new cases each year in the UK. The discharge itself tends to have a strong odour and is grey/white in colour. Although bacterial vaginosis is highly common in the UK, unlike other infections (e.g. thrush) this condition doesn't get much exposure and the causes of it aren't very well known. On this page we will be looking discover the facts about bacterial vaginosis to help those currently dealing with this condition.

It is highly possible that you could be infected with bacterial vaginosis and not realise it because it is often asymptomatic. This is because the infection occurs internally within your vagina, rather than externally. The most common symptom you will likely notice if you do experience symptoms is a change to your normal vaginal discharge. For example, it may have an unpleasant fish-like smell or appear in a grey/white colour. You may also notice a particularly unpleasant smell after sex. The odour of your menstrual blood may also change.

An imbalance of bacteria in your vagina causes this infection. Though this STI is most commonly found in women who are sexually active, the infection is not necessarily spread through sexual intercourse. What causes the imbalance that leads to bacterial vaginosis is not yet definitively understood, but factors that can increase the risk of developing the infection include certain antibiotics, smoking, using intrauterine devices and vaginal douching. It is also believed that having multiple sexual partners increases the risk.

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common infection, and estimates suggest it will affect one in three women at some point in their lives. The common lack of symptoms often means the infected woman is unaware that this is the case. Complications can arise if the infection remains untreated for a length of time, most notably an increase in the risk of contracting further STIs, including HIV. Other risks include complications during pregnancy and the development of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial STI and as such is completely curable. A course of antibiotics will clear up the infection in just a week. The most effective antibiotic to cure BV is Metronidazole, which is able to prevent the ability of the bacteria to spread in your body. In doing so, it reduces any symptoms and associated discomfort. Metronidazole is usually prescribed in a 400mg dosage to be taken twice a day for one week. You may also be prescribed a one-off 2000mg dosage.

Currently there aren't any home remedies or natural cures available for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis; therefore antibiotic treatments are the only effective option when treating this infection.

Located below are some tips that can be followed to successfully prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is particularly important because recurrent bouts are known to potentially occur. Some helpful methods of prevention for this condition can include:

• Avoid douching – you should not clean inside your vagina
• Wear natural and loose clothing – can also speed up recovery
• Quit smoking – this can completely eradicate BV
• Use natural products / remedies – Use gentle products when cleaning your vagina and avoid ingredients that can aggravate the vagina
• Practice safe sex - barrier contraceptives can reduce the number of bouts
• Limit your cleaning – Don't follow a specific vagina-cleaning routine and clean just once a day at most
• Practice good hygiene – wipe front to back after using the toilet

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly common vaginal infection, affecting many women in the UK. Taking an effective antibiotic treatment can successfully treat this infection and avoid conditions caused by bacterial vaginosis, such as the risk of contracting further STIs, including HIV. Other complications can potentially include pelvic inflammatory disease and problems during pregnancy. The treatment we have available to successfully bacterial vaginosis and prevent any further complications is called Metronidazole. This high dosage prescription medication is quick and effective at treating bacterial vaginosis, as well as Trichomoniasis (a parasitic STI). You can buy Metronidazole 400mg tablets at OnlineClinic after completing a simple online consultation. This can be done for free with no obligation. To learn more about this treatment, visit our Metronidazole product page.