Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs when the vaginal microflora balance changes. Although it does not commonly cause pain, it is associated with excess discharge with a strong distinctive odour which can cause embarrassment.
BV is not yet well understood, despite how common it is. Many types of bacteria can live in the gastrointestinal tract without causing health problems, however if these spread to the vagina, they can disrupt the natural balance and outcompete the normal vaginal bacteria.
Your symptoms may vary and these symptoms may be caused by a variety of conditions. This page does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Our test kits include a genital swab, a urine sample kit, or both. Your sample will analysed to detect the pathogens (bad microbes) which could be causing your symptoms and make appropriate recommendations which respect to treatment regimes.
No, BV can affect women who are not sexually active, although sexual contact can increase chances of reinfection.
Unfortunately BV is known to recur in the majority of women who experience it. Your situation is likely as unique as you are, and so a test kit can be the first step to better understanding of the problem. We can then give you treatment recommendations to target the cause and get you back on track.
No, unless you have urinary symptoms we do not suggest a urine test. A vaginal swab will be sufficient.
BV is typically treated with a course of medicine which may include tablets and/or topical creams or gels. Unfortunately, in more than 80% of women will suffer a recurrence of BV at some point. For 50% of cases, this will happen within a few months.
Sadly, some women suffer regular episodes which are not only resistant to common treatments, but can also be challenging to accurately define using traditional testing theory.
Here at Focus Laboratories we understand the impact BV can have on your everyday life. Many of the women we’ve helped diagnose reported affects on their self-confidence, sex life and sense of wellbeing.
Once your test results have been analysed, you will receive a report specific to you which you can give directly to your GP or Specialist. Treatment may include medication as well as lifestyle changes which can help stop BV from returning again.
If you don’t mind some medical language, and you’re interested in the detail of recent studies into recurrent UTIs, then you can find links to some relevant papers below:
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