Avoid using strong detergent to wash your underwear. Also, change your underwear immediately after swimming or exercising.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Unusual intimate odour and discharge? It could be Bacterial Vaginosis or BV.
Thrush gets all the attention, but bacterial vaginosis is actually more common among women of reproductive age. If you are a woman and between 15 and 45 years of age, you are in the group that’s most at risk of bacterial vaginosis (or BV in short). BV is the most common cause of vaginal infections, and fortunately can be easily treated.
Your vagina is normally acidic, which helps prevent bad bacteria from growing and maintains the level of good bacteria called lactobacillus. If the pH balance becomes less acidic however, this can affect the health of your vagina. Different factors can affect the pH balance of your vagina, including getting your period, taking antibiotics, over-washing, using an IUD (intrauterine device) and semen if you have sex without a condom. The imbalance of your pH can be accompanied by overgrowth of anaerobic organisms that replace normal lactobacilli, causing BV.
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is odour, often described as ‘fishy-smelling’. Other symptoms can include:
- Watery discharge
- Greyish white discharge
- Worsening of the above symptoms after sex or during your period
Everyone is different, so you might have BV and not suffer from any symptoms at all. You should also remember that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection and it should not cause any soreness or irritation.
You should see your doctor if:
- You are suffering from BV symptoms for the first time
- You are pregnant
Bacterial vaginosis treatment
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms can be treated at home with an internal gel, which work by helping to regulate the pH balance of your vagina.
Products like Canesbalance BV Gel can help regulate the pH balance of your vagina. Canesbalance provides triple benefits: relieves the unpleasant odour immediately, regulates abnormal discharge and restricts the growth of bad bacteria whilst simultaneously supporting the growth of good bacteria. Canesbalance is a 7-day treatment, but you should notice reduced symptoms within 2-3 days. Thanks to handy and hygienic applicator tubes, Canesbalance BV gel is also convenient and easy to use.
Thrush vs. BV
Many women mistake BV for thrush, but the symptoms and causes are different. BV is caused by a bacterial infection whereas thrush is caused by a yeast infection.
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Preventing bacterial vaginosis
Do not over-wash and avoid using perfumed products and deodorants around your vaginal area
Change your tampons or pads frequently.
Facts about BV
The natural pH in your vagina is lower than 4.5, which means it is slightly acidic. A pH greater than 4.5 is considered alkaline and can be suggestive of bacterial vaginosis.
While BV can be mistaken for thrush, they are two different conditions that require a different treatment. When in doubt, you should consult your doctor.
Vaginal douching is known to cause BV, as it upsets the natural balance of your vagina, and can also increase the risk of STIs or other vaginal infections.
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