sexual health info

Bacterial vaginosis

The following are some facts you should know about bacterial vaginosis:

• Bacterial vaginosis happens when the normal bacteria women have in their vagina is out of balance. 
• Many women will have it at some stage of their life, but some get it more often than others.
• It's uncertain whether it's sexually transmitted, but it can be triggered by sex. 
• Women who are sexually active are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis.
• Women who have female partners or who smoke are at greater risk of getting it.
• Symptoms include an unpleasant, 'fish-like' odour from the vagina, a thin greyish vaginal discharge and itching around the outside of the vagina.
• You can have bacterial vaginosis and not have any symptoms.
• It's treated with antibiotics.
• Treating sexual partners isn't routinely recommended.
• Using condoms with male partners can decrease the risk of getting bacterial vaginosis.

For more information, read our brochure on bacterial vaginosis.