Bacterial Vaginosis
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
- Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria (bugs) that are normally only present in the vagina in small numbers.
- When these bacteria are present in large numbers they may cause symptoms such as an abnormal discharge or odour.
- Bacterial vaginosis is sometimes called non specific vaginitis or Gardnerella vaginitis.
How do I know if I have Bacterial Vaginosis?
- There may be an increase in normal vaginal secretions (fluid leaking from the vagina).
- There may be a strong odour from the vagina, and the smell may be worse after unprotected sex.
- Some women may not have any symptoms.
- Other infections may be present at the same time as bacterial vaginosis and may have similar symptoms. It is therefore important to take tests to rule out other sexually transmitted infections as well.
How is Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosed?
- During a medical examination, the doctor or nurse may notice a discharge or odour.
- The normal acidity of the vaginal fluid may have changed to become more alkaline, even though the woman may not have noticed any symptoms.B
- Bacterial vaginosis can be easily diagnosed by doing a vaginal swab test.
- Results of this test will be available before you leave the sexual health clinic and the doctor can prescribe treatment.
How is Bacterial Vaginosis Treated?
- Treatment is not required if there are no symptoms.
- Treatment is offered if a woman has symptoms or if she is about to have a gynaecological procedure (such as insertion of an IUD or termination of pregnancy) which could allow bacteria into the uterus.
- Treatment is usually metronidazole (Flagyl) antibiotic tablets, taken for seven days.
- Metronidazole may cause nausea or an upset stomach; these effects can be reduced by taking the tablets with meals. Do not drink alcohol during treatment or you may get a severe hangover.
How did I get Bacterial Vaginosis?
- It is not clear whether bacterial vaginosis is sexually transmitted, but it is more common in women with more than one sexual partner.
- It often develops soon after intercourse with a new partner and can be associated with other sexually transmitted infections.
- It is also common in women who have sex with other women and it is possible that bacteria may be transmitted on fingers or sex toys.
Can Bacterial Vaginosis come back?
- Return of symptoms is very common, sometimes within a few weeks of treatment.
- Treating the male partner of an infected woman does not seem to prevent recurrences so is not recommended.
- Sometimes a longer course of treatment may reduce the return of symptoms.
How can Bacterial Vaginosis be Prevented?
- It is not clear yet why some women get bacterial vaginosis.
- Although no infection like bacterial vaginosis is found in men, if you have sex with casual acquaintances, insist that your male partner uses a condom.
- This may reduce the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis while also protecting you from sexually transmitted infections.
This information is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your doctor. All clients are strongly advised to check with their doctor about any specific questions or concerns they may have. Every effort has been taken to ensure that this information is correct at the time of publishing (March 2009). Acknowledgement to Auckland Sexual Health Service for use of this material.