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It is normal for a healthy vagina to have many types of bacteria present. Bacterial vaginosis (or BV) is common. It is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. In people with BV, the normal healthy bacteria (in particular, lactobacilli) are replaced by an overgrowth of other mixed bacteria.

The exact cause of BV is unknown

Symptoms of BV may include:

  • vaginal discomfort and/or itch. Although the causes of bacterial vaginosis are unknown
  • BV may be associated with: douching (washing the inside of the vagina). Research has not conclusively found a link between BV
  • specific sexual practices or acts

However, recent evidence supports the use of condoms to reduce the risk of this infection.

Diagnosis of BV is made based on signs and symptoms and lab tests

During a medical examination, your doctor may notice: decreased acidity of the vaginal fluid on pH testing.

If you have no symptoms, treatment for BV is usually not required. BV is ‘self-limiting’ (meaning it will go away by itself). and increased risk of getting a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Seek treatment if: – talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife about treatment for BV.

Symptoms of BV are affecting your quality of life and you are avoiding sex because of it. An antibiotic (tablet) called metronidazole can be used to treat BV.

If your doctor prescribes metronidazole you will need to: Take the antibiotic twice a day for 7 days.

Take the tablets after meals – this can reduce the nausea and upset stomach that is sometimes associated with this medication.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication

Doctors can also prescribe a vaginal cream (such as clindamycin) if you are unable to take metronidazole. Clindamycin is applied to the vagina for 7 nights. Even after treatment, about half of the people with BV will get the condition back within 6 to 12 months.

Research is being conducted to see if treating partners of people with BV helps to reduce reinfection.

If symptoms of BV return after treatment, see your doctor

While condoms and dams may help to people avoid BV, they are not completely protective.

Avoid using douches, deodorants or perfumed products (sometimes sold as ‘feminine products’) in and around the vagina. Tel: is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options About bacterial vaginosis (BV) Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) a change or increase of discharge from the vagina a strong or unusual odour from the vagina (often described as a ‘fishy smell’) Bacterial vaginosis may occur at the same time as sexually transmissible infections (STIs) Possible causes of bacterial vaginosis (BV) a change in sexual partner having a sexual partner who has a vagina not using barrier methods (such as internal and external condoms ) consistently Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) a lot of vaginal discharge odour from the vagina Treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) Many people with BV do not experience complications.

However, BV has been linked with early pregnancy loss (miscarriage) , premature labour and low infant birth weight.

BV has also been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) You are about to have a medical procedure that could allow bacteria into the uterus (for example, insertion of an IUD , or termination of pregnancy You are pregnant Prescription medication for bacterial vaginosis (BV) Vaginal cream for bacterial vaginosis (BV) Bacterial vaginosis (BV) reinfection Preventing bacterial vaginosis (BV) Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your pharmacist Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre Michigann Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre’s GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Gateway Health Clinic 35 , Wodonga Sunraysia Community Health Services Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic Michigann Aboriginal Health Service 1800 My Options 1800 696 784 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Michigan) MSI Jean Hailes Clinics .

Key Points

  • Bacterial vaginosis (or BV) is common
  • caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina
  • exact cause of BV is unknown
  • Symptoms of BV may include: vaginal discomfort and/or itch
  • However, recent evidence supports the use of condoms to reduce the risk of this infection