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Travel HealthWomen's HealthSeasonal HealthSkin HealthSexual HealthMen's HealthGeneral Health
Treatments
Travel HealthWomen's HealthSeasonal HealthSkin HealthSexual HealthMen's HealthGeneral Health

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Bacterial Vaginosis Online Consultation

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can increase your risk of getting an STI such as chlamydia.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

Half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching.

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms

The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are:

  • Vaginal discharge that is grey in colour
  • Vaginal discharge that is thin and watery
  • A strong, fishy smell

Around half of women experience no symptoms at all. BV is not harmful, and is NOT a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is not clear what causes the change in vaginal discharge, but it is thought that being sexually active, having the IUD contraceptive, using strong scented soaps and vaginal products can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina.

How is Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosed?

The symptoms of BV can seem similar to thrush, although in thrush discharge is thick as opposed to thin and watery, and the smell is yeasty and not fishy. If you have never had BV and are unsure of your symptoms, you can see your GP or go to a sexual health clinic. A swab from your vagina can be taken and tested, which can also rule out any STIs.

If you are pregnant, then you should contact your GP or midwife, as there is a small risk that BV can cause complications in pregnancy.

At Be Online Pharmacy we now offer self-test kit for bacterial vaginosis, called Canestest.

Canestest Self Test for Bacterial Vaginosis

  • A home swab test kit that works by measuring pH levels in the vagina
  • Can detect thrush and bacterial vaginosis, so you know which one you may have
  • Over 90% accuracy
  • Offers privacy and convenience for those wanting to test at home

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Treatment Options

BV is normally treated with antibiotics. In some people, BV can be reoccurring, and this may mean you need treatment for a longer period of time. It is also worth taking steps to prevent bacterial vaginosis, especially if you are more susceptible to it. This can include:

  • Taking showers instead of baths
  • Not using strong scented products around your vagina
  • Using mild detergents to wash your underwear
  • No vaginal douching

At Be Online Pharmacy, we offer prescription based treatments for BV and our advanced prescribers can guide you with which medicines may work best for you.

So whether this is your first time suffering from bacterial vaginosis, or you have had it before, you can speak to a member of our team at Be Online Pharmacy, who can advise you on testing and treatment options.