Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Studies have shown that around 84% of women who have BV have no symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms they often include a change in vaginal discharge, such as:

• watery, thin or greyish discharge
• discharge with a strong fishy smell
• discharge that is more noticeable during sex or when you have your period

BV does not usually cause itching, soreness or pain.

Discharge with a strong smell can also be a symptom of several other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis.

Thrush vs BV

Bacterial vaginosis is often mistaken for thrush, although the symptoms of thrush and causes of thrush are very different. The common symptoms of thrush are:

• itching and irritation in and around the vagina
• a burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• redness and swelling around the vagina and vulvar
• a thick, white odourless vaginal discharge that often has a cottage cheese-like consistency

Getting tested to know if you have BV, thrush, or another condition is essential to get the right treatment quickly.

How long does BV last?

BV usually clears up within 5 to 7 days with prescribed treatments, such as metronidazole. Some over-the-counter treatments can help, but prescription medications are typically more effective.

Without treatment, BV may take months to clear up. In some cases, BV can clear up by itself – especially when you have no symptoms.

Recurrent BV

It is common for BV to come back a few weeks or months after an initial episode, which is known as recurrent BV. A longer course of antibiotics may be necessary to help clear up the infection. Talk to your doctor if you have recurring BV.

Many symptoms of BV are similar to some common STI symptoms including:

• vaginal irritation and swelling
• unusual discharge
• foul-smelling discharge

BV is not an STI, but it can lead to STIs and cause complications if you are pregnant. The best way to know for sure if you have BV or an STI is by getting examined by a doctor or taking an STI test.

Your doctor can speak to you or examine you to confirm if you have BV or an STI. They will need to take a swab test to understand what’s happening to the bacteria in your vagina. You can also order an STI test to take from the comfort of your home. Our tests are discreetly packaged, easy-to-use, and you will get your results within 48 to 72 hours.

If you notice unusual discharge recently after having sex with a new partner, an STI test can confirm if you have an STI rather than BV.

Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t often cause complications but it may lead to:

• An increased risk of catching an STI, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
• An increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• An increased risk of complications in pregnancy, such as premature birth or miscarriage.

Medical research is not clear on why exactly the changes in bacteria happen to cause BV, but you are more likely to get BV if you:

• are sexually active
• have a new sexual partner
• have your period
• are experiencing menopause
• use scented products for your vagina
• use a contraceptive coil (IUD)
• are taking antibiotics

Research has found that your risk of getting BV is twice as high if you are a woman of African-Caribbean heritage. There is also a link between smoking and an increased chance of getting BV because smoking can impact bacteria in your vagina.