About BV
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common vaginal infection that affects about 1 in 3 people with a vagina worldwide. BV is caused by a disruption in the bacteria present in the vagina. In BV, the ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ bacteria that are normally present in the vagina (called lactobacilli) are replaced with a group of ‘bad’ or ‘non-optimal’ bacteria (referred to as BV-bacteria). This disruption in bacteria can cause symptoms such as discharge and odour. Most people with BV do not experience complications, but BV can increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, getting a sexually transmitted infection, and experiencing pregnancy complications like preterm birth.
How is BV diagnosed and treated?
People with a vagina can be tested for BV and treatment can be with either oral or vaginal antibiotics.
Treatment options include:
- An oral (tablet) antibiotic, taken twice a day for 7 days OR
- A vaginal antibiotic cream used once at night for 7 nights OR
- A vaginal antibiotic gel used once at night for 5 nights
Is this treatment option for me?
This treatment is recommended for people who:
- Have a vagina, have been diagnosed with BV and do not have a regular sexual partner
Alternative options are available for people diagnosed with BV who have a regular sexual partner where the risk of reinfection from untreated partners is high.
We acknowledge that our research may not fully reflect the diversity of the community we aim to support, including people who are intersex. We encourage individuals to discuss their needs with their clinician to determine the most appropriate care.
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