5 Facts about Bacterial Vaginosis

Five Facts Every Woman Needs to Know About Bacterial Vaginosis

When a woman is experiencing an unfamiliar smell and unusual discharge from her vagina, she may assume the worst—a sexually transmitted disease (STD). However, the culprit is not always an STD, but a common bacterial infection caused by a pH imbalance in the vagina, known as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).

If you’ve never heard of BV, you are not alone. The infection is commonly mistaken for thrush.

Here are some helpful facts that will arm you with the info you need next time you are experiencing some unusual symptoms.

There is still a lot of mystery surrounding BV

Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among women, but it is not clear what part sexual activity plays in the development of BV. Though doctors do know that having a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners and douching may upset the pH balance of bacteria in the vagina, putting women at an increased risk for getting BV. The infection can occur in all women, regardless of if you are or have ever been sexually active. Men cannot suffer from BV; however, a man’s semen is an alkaline and can therefore upset the vaginal pH, causing a BV infection in their partner.

BV is not an STD

It is important to understand that BV is not an STD—it is simply an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina. BV can occur in any female, even in women who aren’t having sex. BV is commonly associated with sexual activity (i.e. a new partner), but it cannot always be attributed to sexual intercourse.

Some women who suffer from BV do not experience symptoms

Sometimes women will experience no noticeable symptoms of BV. Of those who do experience symptoms, BV can be identified by excessive vaginal discharge, often accompanied with a fishy odour. BV doesn’t usually cause any soreness or itching. This can be a key differentiator in identifying if you have BV or Thrush.

Your doctor can test you for BV:

As you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, symptoms of thin, grey discharge, accompanied with a fishy odour usually identify BV. There are ways for your doctor to check if you have BV. Your doctor may take a sample (with a swab) from your vaginal wall to rule out other infections. This procedure is not painful, although it may be slightly uncomfortable, so make sure to breathe and relax as much as possible. Another sign that can confirm the diagnosis is a vaginal pH test, a pH value higher than 4.5 usually indicates BV.

Antibiotics vs or over the counter remedies.

If you have the symptoms of unusual vaginal discharge along with an unpleasant fishy odour, you can seek an over the counter treatment like Relactagel to treat and prevent BV. Relactagel is a lactic acid gel and works by promoting the growth of naturally occurring flora and rebalancing your vaginal pH.

Antibiotics themselves can disrupt the beneficial vaginal flora, which can lead to a yeast infection or to recurring BV infection. If you see a doctor and are prescribed antibiotics, remember that you can also use a lactic acid treatment in conjunction with them. It is also recommended to correct your beneficial vaginal flora (lactobacilli) during or after finishing your antibiotic treatment by using a probiotic that will also stimulate the growth of your good bacteria.

Relactagel is available in your local pharmacy and If you prefer not to visit the pharmacy, Relactagel, which has been clinically proven to treat and prevent BV can be ordered online and delivered discreetly to your home.