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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the more common vaginal infections of the vagina that affects many thousands of women here in the UK every year. Many mild cases are not reported, so it’s difficult to estimate the exact number of women who suffer from BV, but it is believed by the medical fraternity to affect as many as 1 in 3 women at some time in their lives.
BV is not classed as one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In many instances symptoms are quite mild and can be treated without medication. In other instances, where the infection is more severe, it can be treated with proprietary medications that are available at specialist clinics like the women health clinic, a discrete, walk-in private clinic facility operated by Broadgate GP.
Although the exact cause of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) remains unknown, there are certain things that could make an infection more likely. These include:
So, taking the above points into account, there are a few things that you can do to prevent Bacterial Vaginosis from occurring.
There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of BV, some of which are:
Taking the contraceptive pill orally
If any male partner, you have sexual intercourse with, has been circumcised
If any male partner that you have sexual intercourse with, uses a condom
Use water and plain soap to wash your genital area
Have showers instead of baths
One of the most common symptoms of BV is a vaginal discharge. This vaginal discharge is usually white or gray in colour and sometimes has an unpleasant, fishy smell which may be more noticeable during sex. This vaginal discharge has a tendency to be heaviest following a period, or having just indulged in sexual activity.
The vaginal discharge does not normally cause any irritation or tenderness around either the vagina, or the vulva (the external parts of the vagina). Up to 50% of women with BV do not present any symptoms at all.
BV is normally diagnosed through the presence of an unpleasant smelling greyish-white vaginal discharge. Most doctors are prepared to give this diagnosis if you are in a long and stable sexual relationship with one trusted partner. There are, however, certain tests that can be carried out either by your doctor, or if you work in London, at the walk-in woman’s health clinic that Broadgate GO operates.
Discharge that appears with BV has a higher pH than any other type of vaginal discharge. This can be tested with litmus or pH paper. You can carry out this test yourself, or ask the clinicians at Broadgate GP London to do the test for you.
To confirm a BV infection, a sample of the white-gray vaginal discharge can be taken from the inside of your vagina with a cotton bud-like swab. This is then tested under a microscope for the presence of offending bacteria.
There is a slight risk of some complications when pregnant women are suffering from BV. Although very rare, these complications can include:
• Giving Birth Early
• Having A Baby With Low Birth Weight
• Developing A Uterus Infection
Mild cases of BV often self correct with time as the body naturally adjusts any anomaly in the pH balance. In more severe or repetitive cases, the usual treatment is by way of antibiotic pills taken orally. The most common antibiotic prescribed is Metronidazole.
A course of 400 to 500 mg twice per day is recommended, to be taken over a period of between five and seven days. It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking this medication until at least 48 hours after stopping the treatment.
Quite recently, there have been several investigations that have shown that an association between Bacterial Vaginosis and the development of acute pelvic inflammatory disease may exist. This is due to the microorganisms that are associated with bacterial vaginosis include anaerobes such as Prevotella bivia, other Prevotella species, and Peptostreptococcus species.
Both Bacterial Vaginosis and a yeast infection have similar symptoms, but there are a few noticeable differences. Different issues cause the two infections, meaning that they require different treatments. Bacterial Vaginosis results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina, while an overgrowth of the Candida fungus is what causes a yeast infection.
Yes. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal condition in women. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 women will get BV at some point in their life. It’s also common in pregnant women.
Sex toys may pass on infections such as:
It’s important to note that there is an increased risk of Bacterial Vaginosis in women who have sex with women who have a history of sharing sex toys, or whose partners have Bacterial Vaginosis. Always take precautions and cover sex toys if you are sharing them, or if you are having unprotected sex.
The bacteria that causes Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can sometimes infect the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (egg canals).
If you're suffering from any type of health problem and you're based in the Central London area, then be sure to book an appointment with a GP.
We are a Private GP, therefore there is a charge for every appointment booked, to be paid on the day. Broadgate GP can only take appointments for patients
AGED 18 AND ABOVE.
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