Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria called gardnerella vaginalis naturally found in the vagina. When this happens the pH of the vagina increases.
It can affect women of any age but is most common in women of reproductive age. Common symptoms include a thin grey, white or green vaginal discharge, a “fishy” vaginal odour, vaginal itching, or burning during urination. Half of all women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis can be sexually transmitted. If you’ve recently been intimate with a new partner you might want to test for common sexually transmitted diseases or attend a sexual health clinic.
Other possible causes of an increased vaginal pH are candida (thrush) and trichomoniasis. Further testing may be needed in the event of a positive result.
The standard prescription treatment for bacterial vaginosis is a course of antibiotics. These are given as tablets, or as a cream or gel. You’ll usually need a 5 to 7 day course of antibiotics but a longer course may be appropriate if you keep getting the condition.
There is a link 2SAN Bacterial Vaginosis to the 2San Bacterial Vaginosis (Vaginal pH) Test (Case Only - Case Size 8) (6781512) available from Numark which patients can do at home.
The test which can be done by the customer / patient at home has many benefits including:
- A simple swab with immediate results
- No need to send results off to a laboratory