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Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

A thin, greyish discharge with a fishy smell. Common, and easily treated.

Speak to a GP about bacterial vaginosisFrom £79

In short

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. It is easily treated with antibiotics, and we can also help with the recurrent cases that affect many women.

Overview

What is bacterial vaginosis (bv)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, letting certain bacteria overgrow. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, though it is linked to sexual activity. It is harmless for most women but should be treated in pregnancy and when symptoms are bothersome.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • A thin, greyish-white vaginal discharge
  • A strong fishy smell, often worse after sex
  • Usually no itching or soreness (which helps tell it apart from thrush)
  • Many women have no symptoms at all

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have an unusual discharge or smell, it's your first episode (to confirm what it is), it keeps coming back, or you're pregnant.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, or fever (suggests a different or deeper infection)
  • BV symptoms in pregnancy (treat promptly to reduce risks)
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex (needs assessment)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A confidential history to tell BV apart from thrush and sexually transmitted infections
  • Prescription of antibiotics (oral metronidazole, or a vaginal gel) where appropriate
  • Advice on avoiding triggers (douching, perfumed washes, which upset the natural balance)
  • A plan for recurrent BV, which is common
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service if an STI is suspected (these are free)
  • Advice for BV in pregnancy, which should always be treated

What we don't do

  • STI testing (referred to NHS sexual health services or postal kits)
  • Treatment of complex pelvic infections

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about bacterial vaginosis starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about bacterial vaginosis (bv)

Is BV a sexually transmitted infection?
No. BV is an imbalance of the bacteria normally found in the vagina, not an STI. It is more common in people who are sexually active, but you can get it without sex.
How is it different from thrush?
BV usually causes a thin, greyish discharge with a fishy smell and little itching. Thrush causes a thick, white, odourless discharge with itching. The treatments are different, so getting the right diagnosis matters.
Why does it keep coming back?
Recurrent BV is common. Avoiding douching and perfumed products helps. For frequent episodes we can discuss longer or maintenance treatment.
Does my partner need treatment?
Routine treatment of male partners isn't recommended. Treatment of female partners is sometimes considered. We can advise based on your situation.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about bacterial vaginosis?

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