Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common infection where the balance of the bacteria in the vagina becomes disrupted.

It doesn’t usually cause any vaginal itching or soreness, but often causes some unusual vaginal discharge, which may be white or grey in colour, thin and watery and have a strong fishy smell.

It is not known for sure what causes bacterial vaginosis, but it is not something you can catch from your partner.

Male partners, therefore, do not need to be treated. It is best diagnosed by taking a small sample of the discharge from the vagina.

Women with bacterial vaginosis sometimes have other infections as well, so it is worth thinking about having a full sexual health check-up.

The most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis is an antibiotic called metronidazole. Symptoms usually disappear within a day or two.

Partners do not need to be seen or treated, however, if they have any symptoms it could be worth them having a sexual health check-up too.

NHS Health Scotland has produced a leaflet on Vaginal Health which gives more information on Bacterial Vaginosis and this is available in several different languages.

Learn more about bacterial vaginosis.