Let's raise awareness of Bacterial Vaginosis Day!

This special day was created to help increase awareness of BV, educating women about the facts and removing the taboos surrounding women’s health. Every year on the 16^thApril, women are encouraged to talk about intimate health issues and fertility repercussions, coming together to openly discuss and share something which is normally a subject of avoidance.

It would seem that women’s intimate health is a secretive topic with over a third of women admitting they would feel more comfortable getting health advice online and a fifth saying they were too embarrassed to speak to a GP.

So, have you ever heard of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)? Or, more to the point, have you ever had Bacterial Vaginosis? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Over 61% of women in the UK are not aware of this common and easily treatable condition, and yet it is the most usual cause of abnormal vaginal discharge.

Reports show an estimated one in three women in the UK are affected by BV, twice as many as Thrush, but two thirds misdiagnose their symptoms.

If you’re trying for a baby, it is crucial to ensure your body is as healthy as possible and vaginal conditions are something which should be checked for during one of the most important times of your body’s life. If you want a happy healthy baby, then brushing up on your vaginal knowledge is one step to helping create this.

Often confused with other vaginal conditions such as Thrush, BV often goes unnoticed or untreated. If left untreated, BV can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth in pregnant women.

Simply raising awareness of this condition could help save babies lives and reduce the amount of premature births.

 

So let’s talk about the symptoms and causes of BV, BV Symptoms include:

• a fishy odour not found with Thrush
• abnormal discharge usually thin and grey
• vaginal discomfort caused by increased moisture/discharge.

BV is caused by a disruption in the pH of the vagina, when this happens the number of good lactic acid bacteria decreases and the bad bacteria multiply creating the odour, discharge and discomfort found with BV. Put simply, BV is an imbalance in your pH levels and is easily treated,

So what causes BV? Contrary to popular belief, BV is not from poor hygiene, but can be caused by a number of everyday things, which means experiencing regular reoccurrences of BV is very common.

• having the IUD inserted
• excessive washing
• the use of perfumed intimate products
• antibiotics
• your period
• vaginal douching
• washing with strong scented or fragranced soaps/gels/bubble baths
• and even semen

No need to worry though, the good news is BV is easily treatable.

When to seek medical advice

See your GP or visit a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you notice any abnormal discharge from your vagina, especially if you are pregnant. It is important to get this checked to rule out other infections and prevent complications.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and they may examine your vagina. In some cases, a small sample of the vaginal discharge will be taken using a plastic loop or swab so it can be examined for signs of BV.

Treating bacterial vaginosis

BV can usually be successfully treated using a short course of antibiotic tablets or an antibiotic gel that you apply inside your vagina.

In most cases, you'll be prescribed antibiotic tablets to take twice a day for five to seven days.

However, it is common for BV to recur. More than half of women successfully treated with BV will find their symptoms return, usually within three months. Women who have frequent episodes of BV may be referred to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) specialist.

You can chat about BV by using #NationalBVDay hashtag.

Disclaimer: Information was kindly provided my Balance Active.