If you are struggling with unpleasant intimate odour or discharge, it’s easy to assume you are suffering with Thrush. However, Thrush is often misdiagnosed and Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV, is the most frequent cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, particularly if you are between puberty and the menopause.
Your vagina is usually acidic, which means it has a pH of between 3.8 and 5. This helps to maintain the levels of good bacteria, called Lactobilli. However, if your vagina loses its normal acidity, this can cause an overgrowth of harmful organisms that can replace the Lactobilli, causing BV. Smoking, using an IUD, vaginal douching, menstruation and the presence of semen can all increase the risk of BV*. Although being sexually active can increase the risk of BV, it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
About 50% of women with BV are asymptomatic^. For the other 50%, BV symptoms often include a thin, grey or white, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge. BV can be treated at home using products like Replens BV Vaginal Gel, which is clinically tested to balance and maintain a healthy vaginal pH. The product contains 3 single use pre-filled applicators, that provide up to 3 days relief per application. However, if you are suffering from recurrent BV, defined as more than twice in six months, you should consult your GP. They can prescribe a longer course of treatment, and they can help identify if something is triggering recurrent BV.