Family Planning of Clallam County 

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)? This is not a ‘yeast’ infection;  it is a change in the normal bacteria of the vagina, and the most common vaginal infection in women.

What causes BV? The exact cause of BV is unknown. There are many bacteria that live in a normal vagina. When you have BV, there is not enough “good” bacteria. This causes harmful bacteria to grow in the vagina, making the vaginal environment out of balance.

What are the symptoms? Most women with BV have no symptoms at all. Sometimes a woman has more vaginal discharge than usual. The discharge might be milky with a “fishy” odor. The odor can be worse after sex. Other symptoms women experience include itching or burning in or near the vagina.

How serious is BV? BV is usually not serious. In some cases, however, it can cause infections in the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is important to treat BV, especially before having an IUD inserted, an abortion, or tests done on the uterine lining. BV during pregnancy may lead to premature labor and the baby may be born too soon.

How can I find out if I have BV? The clinician will do a few simple tests in the clinic. Looking at the vaginal discharge under the microscope for bacteria and checking the acid level of the vagina are two tests that help the clinician decide if a woman has BV.

How is BV treated? The clinician can prescribe an antibiotic, taken by mouth, called metronidazole or Flagyl®. This medicine can cause nausea or a metal aftertaste in the mouth for some people. Take it with food.   

DO NOT DRINKALCOHOL ANY TIME WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE AND FOR 24 HOURS AFTER COMPLETION OF MEDICATION.   This medicine can cause severe nausea and vomiting when combined with alcohol. The clinician, as an alternative, may order antibiotic vaginal creams which cost more but work as well as the oral medication.  There is no over the counter medication for BV.

What about my partner? Usually your partner does not need to be treated because partner treatment has not been shown to be effective in preventing reoccurrences.  However, the clinician may recommend partner treatment if you experience multiple episodes of BV and are with the same partner.

How can I prevent BV? The most reliable protection against future infection is the use of barrier contraceptives, especially condoms.  Some women get BV again and again.  It is not clear why or how this happens. These suggestions for good vaginal health may help:

❑   Wipe from front to back (away from the vagina) after bowel 

       movements to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the

       vagina.

     ❑   Keep the vulva (outside of the vagina) dry and clean.

     ❑   DO NOT DOUCHE. Douching is never a good idea, especially

            since it is a risk factor for BV.

     ❑   Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, harsh soaps, or soaps with lots of

            perfume.

     ❑   Avoid clothing that can trap moisture: pantyhose (wear pantyhose

            with cotton crotch) or latex exercise clothing.

     ❑   Consistent condom use may decrease BV recurrence for some

            women.

16.01   FPCC 4/09