Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis
Overview
British Sign Language (BSL)
Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection. It’s an imbalance of the usual bacteria found in the vagina.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Your vagina naturally hosts bacteria called lactobacilli, which help stop other bacteria from growing there. Sometimes the balance of these bacteria shifts, and this is what leads to bacterial vaginosis.
It isn't passed from one person to another, but it does tend to show up more often in people who are sexually active.
A few other things that can raise your risk:
- having a new sexual partner
- having multiple sexual partners
- smoking
- using scented soaps or perfumed bubble bath
- adding antiseptic liquids to bath water
- douching (washing or cleaning inside the vagina with water or other fluids)
- using vaginal washes or deodorants
- washing your underwear with strong detergents
- receiving oral sex
Treatment
Treatment for bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse. You may be given an antibiotic cream or gel to use in your vagina, instead of antibiotic tablets by mouth.
While you’re there, make sure you tell the doctor or nurse if you:
- are pregnant
- think you might be pregnant
- are breastfeeding
These may affect the type of treatment you’re given.
You can still have sex while being treated for bacterial vaginosis as it’s not sexually transmitted. However antibiotics and creams can affect condoms and other forms of contraception. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist who can give you further information.
Partners do not usually need treatment.
Non-antibiotic treatment is also available to buy in pharmacies.
Prevention
Doctors don't fully understand what causes bacterial vaginosis, so there's no sure way to prevent it completely. Still, following our genital washing advice may help lower your chances of developing it.