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Bacterial Vaginosis

What is it?
Bacterial vaginosis, sometimes called BV, is a very common vaginal infection. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) although it may be caused as a result of semen in the vagina after sex without a condom. Men do not get BV.

Symptoms
Often there are no symptoms but some women may notice:

• A change in the normal discharge from the vagina.

• Discharge may increase and become thin and watery and have a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.

How do people get it?
The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria, and fewer “harmful” bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.

Not much is known about how women get BV. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including:

• Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners,

• Douching.

It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV. Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them. Women that have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected.

How is it diagnosed and treated?
A doctor or a nurse will take a swab from the inside of the vagina and a sample of pee may be taken.

Treatment for BV is simple and involves taking antibiotic tablets. There are various types of antibiotics available and you should discuss which would best suit you with the doctor or nurse, as some should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on the pill.

A cream to use in the vagina may be given instead. Some creams can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms or caps, so alternative protection should be used during treatment. Again, your doctor or nurse will advise.

What if it is not treated?
For many women BV goes away without being treated. BV will not affect your chances of getting pregnant although if you are pregnant it may cause problems such as miscarriage, premature birth or the baby being born underweight.
Treatment when pregnant or breastfeeding will not harm the baby, but do let your doctor or nurse know.

Where to get help
If you think you may have BV, contact your local NHS sexual health clinic (also known as a GUM clinic) and make an appointment. It’s easy and completely confidential.
For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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