A doctor has warned that too few women know how to spot the signs of a common sexual infection that can leave them at higher risk of other, more serious genital infections.
Called bacterial vaginosis (BV), the intimate infection is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that normally live in the vagina, and is often triggered by sex.
When treated quickly with antibiotics it usually causes little problems, but if left for long periods, it can permanently distrupt the vaginal flora, making make women more vulnerable to chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and could even increase risk of miscarriage.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP at Asda Online Doctor, said women are all too often mistaking the problem for other infections, and missing out on the correct treatment.
‘Bacterial vaginosis is common but women often mistake it for yeast infections or a sexually transmitted infection like trichomoniasis as they share similar symptoms, like unusual discharge and a change in odour,’ Dr Wyllie said.
‘It’s important that women can spot the signs of BV to ensure they’re getting the right treatment, whether that’s antibiotics or internal applicators.’
She said the telltale signs of the infection are a strong fishy smell, greyish-white discharge or irritation in the genital area.
BV is often treated with antibiotics that are normally applied as tablets, gels or creams.
Unusual discharge with a strong fishy smell and a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery, are common tell-tale signs of Bacteria vaginosis (BV), according to the NHS
Dr Wyllie also warned that too few women are aware of the crucial steps that can help prevent the condition — like using a certain type of body wash and avoiding douching (cleaning the inside of the vagina with water using a spray).
‘As much as you want to feel and smell fresh, your vagina is already a self-cleaning pro,’ she said.
‘Douching and using perfumed soaps can actually make BV worse by flushing out the good bacteria that keeps everything in harmony.
‘So, step away from the scented shower gels and trust your body’s natural balance.’
She also advised women to avoid tight-fitting clothing like lingerie as it can create a BV friendly environment.
‘Tight, synthetic underwear can trap moisture, creating the perfect conditions for BV to thrive in,’ she said.
‘Opt for cotton underwear for its breathable material and if you’ve had a sweaty gym session or a dip in the pool or hot tub, change out of damp clothes as soon as you can.’
Dr Wyllie added that practicing safe sex was another way to help avoid BV.
‘Using condoms can help protect your vaginal flora, and if you share sex toys, be sure to clean them thoroughly between uses,’ she said.
Almost one in three, about 10million, British women are thought to have BV but only half are thought to show any symptoms.
While BV is not normally dangerous on it’s own it can cause more serious problems.
The disruption BV causes to the vagina’s natural microbiome creates an environment where STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are more likely to take hold.
It’s also known to cause complications in pregnancy, including miscarriages and preterm birth.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
