{"product_id":"your-guide-to-bacterial-vaginosis-he7024","title":"Your Guide to Bacterial Vaginosis - HE7024","description":"\u003ch3\u003eSimple facts on identifying symptoms, treatment, and prevention.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBacterial vaginosis or “BV” happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. The helpful bacteria that usually protect the vagina reduce in number, allowing other types of bacteria to grow more than usual. This can lead to symptoms such as unusual discharge or a fishy odour. BV is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in people of childbearing age. Up to half of people with BV have no symptoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you get it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBV is not usually classed as a sexually transmitted infection, but sex can play a role in triggering it or in it coming back. It is more common after a change in sexual partner, and can return after treatment. BV may also be linked to vaginal douching, which is the process of cleaning inside the vagina with water, soap or other products. Sex toys or fingers may sometimes play a role in moving bacteria into the vagina. It isn’t always clear why some people get BV and others don’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSymptoms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBV may cause an increase in vaginal discharge (fluid leaking from the vagina). The discharge is often thin, watery, white or grey, and there may be a strong sour or fishy smell which may worsen after sex. About 50% of people with BV have no symptoms at all. BV does not usually cause itching, burning, or soreness. If you have those symptoms, it may be another condition such as thrush, or sometimes an STI. Other infections can also cause discharge, so it is important to get checked if you are unsure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you get tested?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have symptoms, BV can usually be diagnosed with a vaginal swab arranged by a doctor or nurse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you do not have symptoms, testing and treatment are not usually needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale partners do not need testing for BV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTreatment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTreatment of BV is generally not required if there are no symptoms. A common treatment is metronidazole tablets taken twice a day for 7 days. An alternative antibiotic may be used if metronidazole is not suitable. Metronidazole can sometimes cause nausea or an upset stomach, and taking it with food may help. Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 48 hours after finishing it, as this can make you feel very unwell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBV can come back after treatment, and recurrence is common. If it keeps returning, talk with your doctor or nurse, as there may be other treatment options or further advice depending on your symptoms and how often it is happening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale partners do not require testing, however if bacterial vaginosis is recurring they may be advised to have treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrevention\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not always clear why some people get BV and others don’t - these measures may help to prevent bacterial vaginosis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondoms used correctly every time you have sex from start to finish will provide some protection from BV and offer good protection from many other sexually transmitted infections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid douching or bathing with bubble baths or other non-pH balanced detergents. Avoid using soap, vaginal wipes or antiseptics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWear cotton underwear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you use sex toys, clean them well and avoid sharing them unless they are covered with a new condom each time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTelling your partners\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, partner notification is not required as this is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. If you are experiencing recurrent BV infections there is increasing evidence that treating your sexual partner\/s may reduce recurrences - speak with your health professional about this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere can I get help?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttend your local sexual health clinic or primary care provider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information on all things sexual health and STIs, visit the Just the Facts website: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.justthefacts.co.nz\/\"\u003eLife goes on, read Just The Facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCover image courtesy of Death to Stock, models used for illustrative purposes only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HealthEd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49354108895460,"sku":"HE7024","price":0.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0102\/6916\/3582\/files\/HE7024.png?v=1783467158","url":"https:\/\/healthed.govt.nz\/products\/your-guide-to-bacterial-vaginosis-he7024","provider":"HealthEd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}