Bacterial vaginosis (or BV for short) is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in those of a childbearing age.

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection so you cannot catch it.

If you have BV, there will be less of the good vaginal bacteria and an overgrowth of the bad bacteria which makes the pH of your vaginal fluid less acidic.

BV can be triggered by using scented bubble bath, shower gel or soaps, using vaginal deodorant or putting antiseptic liquids in the bath. Semen in the vagina after unprotected sex and hormone changes during the menstrual cycle might also play a part. Smokers are also more likely to get BV.

The main symptom of BV is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge (think, watery, white/grey). This will often have an unpleasant ‘fishy’ smell.

BV is diagnosed at the sexual health clinic by looking at a sample of vaginal discharge under the microscope.
Use the service finder to find a testing service near you.

BV may settle down on its own or vary through the monthly cycle but it can be treated with antibiotics. This is most commonly given as a course of tablets, but it might sometimes be given as a gel or a cream to use inside the vagina.

Sexual partners do not need treatment. BV is not an STI.

Do you have symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

If so, you may be interested in taking part in the DEVA study.

This study aims to show if a non-antibiotic treatment is better than the current antibiotic treatments, for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Find out more by visiting: https://devastudy.ac.uk/

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

Chlamydia

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Herpes

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Gonorrhoea

Genital Warts

Epididymo-orchitis

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)

SyphilisScabies

Molluscum contagiosum (MC)

Non-specific urethritis (NSU)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pubic lice (crabs)

Thrush

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