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A BV test helps diagnose bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection affecting up to 1 in 3 women in the UK at some point. Bacterial vaginosis develops when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing harmful bacteria to outnumber the good. BV is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, but being sexually active does increase risk. Some women have few symptoms, while others experience unusual vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell.
Early detection with a bacterial vaginosis test can offer reassurance, guide treatment, and reduce the risk of complications. Broadgate GP’s sexual health clinic in London provides fast, confidential BV testing and effective treatment options, including advice about related conditions such as sexually transmitted infections, thrush, and other vaginal infections.
A healthy vagina contains many types of bacteria, with good bacteria (Lactobacilli) usually keeping bad bacteria under control. In bacterial vaginosis, the natural balance is lost, causing levels of harmful bacteria to rise and Lactobacilli to drop. This disrupts the vaginal microbiome and can lead to an increased vaginal pH (above 4.5).
While the specific cause is not always clear, several risk factors are known:
Disruption from unprotected sex, antibiotics, or hormonal changes can also alter the vagina’s normal balance.
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
About half of women with BV have no symptoms. For those who do, the most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are:
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause pain, irritation, or swelling. If you notice unusual vaginal discharge, a persistent fishy odour, or any changes suggestive of infection, a BV test can help you find answers and access treatment quickly.
You should book a bacterial vaginosis test if:
Diagnosing bacterial vaginosis is based on symptoms, examination, and targeted tests. A doctor may:
Doctors use a combination of methods for a bacterial vaginosis test:
BV typically raises the vaginal pH above the normal range of 3.8–4.2. In the clinic, a vaginal pH test is performed using litmus or pH paper applied to the vaginal wall. A pH above 4.5 is a key sign of BV.
A sample of vaginal fluid is placed on a glass slide and examined under a microscope (wet mount test) for ‘clue cells’, vaginal cells studded with bacteria, confirming infection. The test also checks for other causes of discharge, such as thrush or trichomoniasis.
A drop of potassium hydroxide is added to the vaginal smear. A strong fishy smell released (positive whiff test) suggests bacterial vaginosis.
A swab may be sent to the laboratory for further testing, such as the Nugent Score, which grades the presence of bacteria to diagnose BV accurately. Some clinics offer advanced PCR tests that detect bacterial DNA.
Home bacterial vaginosis test kits are available online and in some pharmacies. These generally check for elevated vaginal pH, but cannot provide a full diagnosis. If you receive an abnormal result or have ongoing symptoms, book an appointment at a sexual health clinic or with your GP for further assessment.
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 BV can resolve on its own, but persistent or recurrent cases require antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Standard treatments include:
Do not attempt to treat bacterial vaginosis with over-the-counter remedies or home treatments. No non-prescription treatments are proven effective, and inappropriate treatment can delay proper care.
Broadgate GP can supply private BV treatment quickly after diagnosis. We also advise on preventing recurrence and discuss related sexual health issues, including contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
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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