Non-STIs

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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. The diagnosis can often be made right away by looking at the sample down a microscope. 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 of bacterial vaginosis is an antibiotic called metronidazolel. 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. To access the leaflet, click here.

Click here for more information on bacterial vaginosis.

Cystitis

Cystitis is quite common among women, and it means an inflammation of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that takes urine from the bladder). It is unusual for men or children to have cystitis, and they should see a doctor if they do.

It is often caused by germs from the anus getting into the vagina and up the urethra. This can happen during sex, using tampons or wiping from back to front after going to the toilet. Vigorous sexual activity or wearing very tight jeans might cause slight damage to your body and this can cause cystitis. Some women also have a reaction to things like scented soaps or vaginal deodorants. ‘Holding on too long’ before passing urine keeps germs in the bladder, and tight trousers or nylon underwear create the warm, moist conditions that germs love.

Cystitis can make you may feel you really need to pass urine often, but only a small amount comes out. You may also have a burning or stinging feeling when you do pass urine. Sometimes the urine may be cloudy, strong-smelling or have blood in it. Other symptoms are aching in the lower back or abdomen and feeling feverish. Antibiotics may be required to clear the infection.

It’s not always possible to know exactly what causes cystitis, but there are certain things you can do to help prevent it. Drink plenty of water (about 4 pints a day) to keep germs flushed out. Go to the toilet when you feel like it, and always wipe front to back. Avoid tight trousers and nylon underwear, and scented soaps, bubble bath or vaginal deodorants. Also cut down any food or drink that you think might make your cystitis worse, like tea, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. If cystitis comes on after sex: wash your genital area and hands before sex, and try passing urine after (to help flush out any germs). Use a water-based lubricant if your vagina feels dry during sex.

Although cystitis is not sexually-transmitted, you should always practice safer sex. This means using condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Around 1 in 3 women will experience cystitis at some point in their lives. Click here for more information.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It can be passed on through close body or sexual contact, or from infected clothing, bedding or towels. The mites are very difficult to see, but usually, cause a rash or tiny spots. If you have scabies, you may have intense itching that is worse at night. The itching can be in your genital area, but it also often occurs between your fingers, on wrists and ankles, under your arms, or on your body and breasts.

Scabies can usually be successfully treated using special creams or shampoos available over the counter in most pharmacies. The itching can sometimes continue for a short period, even after effective treatment. You do not have to be seen by your GP, but it is still advisable to visit a sexual health clinic to be tested and potentially treated for other STIs.

Click here for more information on scabies.

Thrush

Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a yeast infection that normally affects women and is a common infection that appears in the vagina. There are other kinds of thrush that can affect the throat, but these are less common.

Thrush is caused by a yeast called candida, which usually lives harmlessly in the body, but can multiply to cause an infection. It is more common during pregnancy and in people with diabetes. It is not an STI. Thrush might cause itching, soreness and swelling around the vagina, or a thick white discharge. You may also feel discomfort when passing urine or during sex. If a man has sex with a woman with thrush, this may cause some skin irritation on the man’s penis.

Thrush can be treated by tablets, either put directly into your vagina (pessaries) or taken by mouth and using a soothing cream around the genital area. Some women have repeated bouts of thrush. It is not entirely clear why this is, and it is often different for different women, but there are things you can do to help prevent thrush from coming on:

– Avoid wearing nylon underwear or tight jeans (this may help the yeast develop in a moist, warm environment)

– After going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back to avoid getting germs into the vagina.

– Some women can get thrush after taking antibiotics. If this is the case, you can ask your doctor for treatment for thrush at the same time.

– Avoid using vaginal deodorants, perfumed soaps, douches and disinfectants.

Thrush is not something you can catch from your partner, however, it can be triggered by sex. If you think you have thrush or are worried about any infection, you can get treatment from your GP or by making an appointment at any one of our clinics, please call 0300 303 0251. A list of all clinic times and venues is located within the Services section of this website.

NHS Health Scotland has produced a leaflet on Vaginal Health which gives more information on Thrush and this is available in several different languages. To access the leaflet, click here.
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