Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush are both conditions caused by an imbalance of vaginal pH and bacteria. Your body, vagina included, always has a degree of bacteria present and many of these bacteria help your body function. It is only when there is an imbalance that bacteria can cause conditions like thrush and BV.

What is BV?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection that happens when the bacteria in the vagina experiences an overgrowth. It is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge in women during their child-bearing years.

The exact cause of BV isn’t known, but some lifestyle factors make certain women more susceptible than others. You’re more likely to get BV if you recently changed sexual partners, use an IUD, or use perfumed products or douches in your vagina. It isn’t an STD but does make you more at risk of an STD because your vagina is less acidic as normal.

Signs and Symptoms of BV Include:

• A foul odor or fishy smell in the vagina, especially after sex
• Thin grey, white, or green vaginal discharge
• Itching
• Burning feeling when urinating
• Pain, burning, or itching in the vagina
• It is also possible to have BV without any noticeable symptoms.

What is Thrush?

Vaginal thrush, or a yeast infection, is another common vaginal infection. It is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called candida albicans. This yeast occurs naturally in your body, but if too much of it is present you can develop thrush.

An overgrowth of candida albicans can be due to a number of reasons, including pregnancy, taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or having changes in your menstrual cycle. Being diabetic, anaemic, or having a compromised immune system can also make you more likely to develop thrush.

Signs and Symptoms of Thrush:

• Itching and irritation in and around the vagina
• White discharge that is often lumpy
• Splits in the vaginal skin
• Pain or burning during sex and urination

Thrush & BV Prevention and Treatment

Because some of the symptoms of thrush and BV are similar, it may not always be obvious which condition you have. If your symptoms persist or become reoccurring, speak to your doctor or pharmacist so they can diagnose and treat your condition.

To keep your vaginal environment balanced and happy, there are a few things you can do to make you less likely to develop an infection such as:

• Avoiding using perfumed products or soaps in or around your vagina
• Urinating after sex
• Using condoms during sex
• Wearing natural fibre underwear
• Wiping back to front after using the toilet

If your infection does not clear on its own, you may be prescribed medications or topical creams to treat your symptoms. Vaginal thrush treatment usually comprises of antifungal medications like Fluconazole capsules or antifungal creams.

Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic tablets like Metronidazole Tablets or creams like Dalacin Cream.

Bacterial vaginosis treatment Metronidazole tablets and Dalacin Cream are available online in the UK at our website. We also have fluconazole capsules and other intimate health medications we can ship right to your door. Visit our website today.