What is bacterial vaginosis and what are the symptoms?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of various bacteria (germs). It is not just a simple infection caused by one type of bacterium. • The main symptom of BV is a vaginal discharge. BV is one of the most common causes of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. The discharge is often a white-grey colour, and often has a fishy smell. The smell may be most noticeable when having sex. The discharge tends to be heaviest just after a period, and after having sex. • The discharge does not usually cause itch or soreness around the vagina and vulva. • Many women with BV do not have any symptoms (up to half of cases). BV may be found by chance when vaginal swabs are taken for other reasons. Note: BV is not the only cause of a vaginal discharge. Various conditions can cause a discharge. For example, another common cause of a discharge is due to thrush (an infection caused by a yeast called candida). Unlike BV, thrush typically causes a thick
