Are you suffering from this common condition?

According to reports, women up and down the country are being misdiagnosed after complaining of thrush-like symptoms.

In fact, a significant proportion of women could be suffering from bacterial vaginosis instead.

Clinical nurse Helen Knox explains: “A common condition such as BV can really knock a woman’s confidence especially if it causes an intimate odour. Getting the correct diagnosis and treatment is vital as some daily tasks like excessive washing can actually make conditions like BV worse.

“BV is regularly misdiagnosed as thrush which means the condition often doesn’t get treated correctly. We urge people who are unsure to search the BV Explained website where they can find out more about BV and how to effectively treat it.”

It occurs when there is a disruption to the balance of bacteria in the vagina (thrush occurs when theres an overgrowth of Candida fungus in the body- which we all host).

Symptoms

Treatment

You can treat BV with antibiotics or antibiotic gel. Most cases require doses twice a day for up to five days. The only thing is that BV will very likely return. Chronic cases will be referred to a genitourinary specialist.

Complications

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is easy to treat, but if left alone can have serious implications for pregnant women.

Pregnant ladies suffering from BV are in danger of having miscarriage or giving birth prematurely.

Prevention

You can prevent contracting BV by avoiding scented soaps and bubble bath, vaginal deodorants, douching and strong washing detergents.