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

You cannot catch BV but it can increase your risk of getting an STI such as chlamydia.

BV is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.

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.

You may notice a change in your vaginal discharge that is usually greyish white and thin. It may be watery with fishy smell.

BV is diagnosed at the sexual health clinic by looking at a sample of vaginal discharge under the microscope.

You can use the Service Finder below 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 commonly given as a course of tablets taken by mouth, but it can sometimes be given as a gel or a cream to use inside the vagina.

People you have sex with do not need treatment. BV is not 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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