BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Other name

* BV

Where does it come from?

* the main causes are 'gardnerella' and 'anaerobic vaginosis'

* at present it is uncertain whether or not they are sexually transmitted

How do I get it?

* it is the result of an imbalance of the conditions in the vagina

* it is considered by a minority to be sexually transmitted, but it can affect any individual, even if they haven't had sex

* some women notice a regular pattern to the increase and decrease of their symptoms - due to changing hormone levels throughout their menstrual cycle

* the vaginal conditions after termination of pregnancy (abortion) hysterectomy (removal of the womb) or other gynaecological treatment can become imbalanced and BV can then develop

What might I notice?

Women

* you will probably notice an increase in vaginal secretion

* the discharge often looks like a runny, grey coloured 'flour paste', which will probably smell 'fishy'

* you will probably feel embarrassed by the odour - which will often 'show up' or smell worse, when you have sex

* your partner may notice it before you do

* you may not notice anything or be bothered by the discharge

* there may be slight itching and inflammation 'down below'

Men

* you may notice nothing at all

* sometimes the head of the penis may be inflamed and sore

What tests would I have?

* special 'swab' test' but it takes 1-2 weeks for the results to grow and show in the laboratory, hence the delay

What treatment is there?

* antibiotics - the course must be completed and no alcohol taken whilst on these tablets - they don't mix and would probably make you sick

Where can I get treatment from?

The Parallel- 01204 462444 under 19 years, G.U.M. 01204 390390, Family Planning clinic, go to Bolton PCT website for nearest clinic

Click here for sexual health services in Bolton

What should I do after I finish the treatment?

* return to normal

* if you are someone who keep getting these attacks, you may try using condoms - to prevent possibility of re-infection

* your partner should be tested and treated

* the symptoms can come in women who are not sexually active

* it seems to recur of its own accord in many people, so different treatments may be suggested

What about my partner?

* in persistent cases, they should be checked at a GUM Clinic even if they do not have any symptoms

What about sex?

* be advised by the doctor treating you

What complications can come from having BV?

* it can be a contributory factor in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

* for many women with recurrent infection, there can be relationship and sexual problems because the associated odour

* pregnant women with BV are more at risk of miscarriage or giving birth prematurely

How can I avoid getting BV?

* the reason for its occurrence is not fully understood but the use of condoms may help to prevent recurrence

* it is a common cause of vaginal discharge in developed countries

* it can develop in women who are not sexually active

* in some women, it goes away on its own