Bacterial Vaginosis

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What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

BV is an overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina. It is most common cause of vaginal discharge. It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV.

How do you get BV?

The cause of BV is often not known.

• It is more common in women who are sexually active, especially when there is a new sex partner.
• Anything that may upset the normal balance of flora in the vagina including douches and scented feminine hygiene products may trigger BV
• It is more common in women who have an intrauterine device/system (IUD/IUS).
• Women who have never had sexual intercourse may also be affected
• BV may spread between female sex partners

How can you tell if you have BV?

Many people who have BV do not have any signs to let them know they have the overgrowth.

You might notice:

• an increased amount of thin white, or greyish discharge from your vagina
• a fishy odour coming from your vagina
• pain, itching or burning

How do you get tested for BV?

The test for BV is not routine but may be done if you have symptoms or are going for certain procedures (e.g. abortion, IUD/IUS insertion). A healthcare provider must examine the vagina and take a sample of the vaginal fluid to look for bacteria associated with BV.

How is BV treated?

Although BV may clear up without treatment, all women with symptoms should be treated to avoid complications. Medication will easily treat and cure BV but is only needed if:

• you have symptoms
• you are pregnant and are either going for an abortion, or have a history of preterm delivery
• you are planning to have an IUD/IUS inserted or you are going to have gynecological surgery.

BV is usually cured with one treatment, but sometimes the medication may need to be repeated.

Do you need follow-up?

Some women may have a return of symptoms. If this happens to you, see your health care provider for reassessment.

• If you think you might be at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consider testing.

How can BV be prevented?

To prevent bacterial overgrowth avoid activities that upset the balance of normal flora such as:

• use of feminine sprays, douches, bubble bath, bath oil and deodorant tampons
• avoid wearing tight fitting clothing (wearing cotton underwear may help)
• be abstinent
• limit the number of sexual partners
• always wipe from front to back after using the toilet
• Lactobacilli preparations (found in health food stores and some brands of yogurt) may help restore normal vaginal balance.

What are the complications of BV?

Most of the time BV causes no complications. But some serious risks from BV include:

• an increased chance of getting HIV if a woman is exposed to the HIV virus while she has BV
• an increased chance that an HIV-infected female can pass HIV to her sex partner
• an increased chance of developing an infection following surgery like a hysterectomy or abortion
• a chance of pre-term delivery is a woman has BV while pregnant
• an increased chance of getting other STIs, such as herpes simplex (HSV), Chlamydia and gonorrhea