-
Men's Health
-
Women's Health
-
Sexual Health
-
Chronic
-
Travel
-
Book online for vaccinations for
travel and general health in one
of over 60 clinics nationwide
-
-
Wellbeing
-
Testing Services
-
Help & Contact
-
What Is Superdrug Online Doctor?
We're a service that helps you order treatments online from UK-registered doctors with free, discreet, to-your-door deliveries.
-
Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis
What symptoms can Bacterial Vaginosis cause?
Bacterial vaginosis is extremely common. In fact, many women have it without noticing any symptoms. Find out how to spot the signs of BV and when to get treated.
Contents
Bacterial vaginosis and discharge
Women with bacterial vaginosis who notice symptoms usually observe a white or grey vaginal discharge. It is typical for discharge caused by bacterial vaginosis to have an unpleasant fishy smell. In some cases, the discharge may be watery and clear.
However, it is important to note that there are a number of other conditions which can also cause discharge.
These include:
- thrush
- gonorrhea
- chlamydia
Do I have symptoms of BV or an STI?
With discharge typically being the only symptom of bacterial vaginosis, it can be difficult to tell whether you have BV or a different infection. If you have not had unprotected sex recently, your discharge may be caused by bacterial vaginosis. If you have had unprotected sex with one or more than one partner, you should get tested for STIs to check whether you have been infected.
If you prefer a more private way to test you can order an extended STI test kit from Superdrug.
I have a rash. Could this be BV?
Bacterial vaginosis does not cause a rash or lesions. If you notice a rash or bumps, you should visit a GUM clinic to get checked for STIs. Lesions may be a sign of genital herpes, while bumps could be caused by genital warts. Whatever your symptoms, it is important that you get them checked.
Bacterial vaginosis also doesn't cause bleeding. If you are experiencing any unexplained vaginal bleeding you need to visit a doctor without delay.
Can BV cause complications?
Bacterial vaginosis is a benign condition but it can cause complications during pregnancy. Women who experience BV symptoms during pregnancy have been found to have a slightly higher risk of premature birth and miscarriage. Bacterial vaginosis is also associated with a higher risk of other infections of the womb when symptoms are present during pregnancy. The risk of developing complications is very small but you should still see your doctor without delay if you notice symptoms during your pregnancy.What should I do if I notice bacterial vaginosis symptoms?
Although the symptoms of BV often go away on their own you should consider getting treated if you notice discharge. Before you can get treated, a doctor will need to assess whether you are suffering from BV or whether you could be infected with a sexually transmitted disease which causes similar symptoms. You can use our confidential and discreet online assessment to order BV treatment. You will fill in a medical questionnaire when you place your order, so that our doctor can diagnose your condition.
It is particularly important that you seek medical attention if you develop BV during pregnancy. You should visit your GP or gynaecologist if you are pregnant and suffering from BV.
Common Myths About BV
Myth: Bacterial vaginosis is an STI.
Truth: BV is not an STI, it just causes similar symptoms. The bacteria which cause it naturally exist in your vagina and BV occurs, when they multiply too quickly.
Myth: You do not need to get treated if you have BV.
Truth: Many women have BV without experiencing symptoms. In these cases, the infection clears by itself. However, you should get treated if you have symptoms. It is also important for pregnant women to get treated if they develop BV during pregnancy.
Myth: Bacterial vaginosis causes a rash.
Truth: Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any symptoms other than a discharge, which may be smelly. If you have a rash, you are most likely suffering from a different condition.
Myth: If you have bacterial vaginosis, you have symptoms.
Truth: BV can be caused by various different types of bacteria which naturally occur in the vagina. It is often symptomless.