Bacterial Vaginosis: Is This Common Infection an STI?

It’s a total nightmare moment. You’re gearing up to tackle the day (with no time to waste), when suddenly, you catch a whiff of that dreaded “fishy” smell… from down there. Panic sets in, and you can’t help but wonder: “What on earth is happening to my body, and what am I going to do about it?” You may even fear you picked up a sexually transmitted infection.

Your first step is not to panic. All vaginas have a smell, and you could be detecting your natural odor. But you know your own body best. So, if you’re certain this goes beyond your run of the mill essence and veers into the eau de fish sticks territory, this is a sign that something is going on.

You might have BV – a very common vaginal condition, not an STI. Let’s dive into what BV is, how it differs from other vaginal infections, and what steps you can take to reclaim your peace of mind.

What is BV?

BV, or bacterial vaginosis, is a very common bacterial infection that occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. The most noticeable symptom is a fish-like smell that might worsen after sex. However, plenty of women never experience symptoms when their natural vaginal flora is a little off. 

If this is your first run in with BV, just know that it’s one of the most typical issues for women or people who were assigned female at birth. In fact, 35% of people with vaginas will experience BV at some point or another. And, this figure spikes if for Black women and AFAB folks. 

But is BV an STI?

Is BV contagious, or can you catch it via sex? No. If there’s one thing to take away from this article, it’s that BV is NOT an STI. This fun little issue can affect anyone, whether you’re sexually active or have never had sex.

That said, it’s important to understand the connection between BV and sexual activity. While it’s not transmitted from person to person like an STI, BV can be triggered by sex.

Introducing anything new, like a penis or semen, can disrupt your natural pH balance, making you more susceptible to BV. So, while having new or multiple partners might increase your risk, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. However, if left untreated, BV can increase your chances of contracting STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even HIV.

If you think you might have it, get yourself to a doctor or a clinic ASAP!

Bacterial Vaginosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

There are a few telltale signs of bacterial vaginosis to look out for, so you can nip it in the bud as soon as you develop symptoms.

Here’s what to look out for:

• BV discharge, which will appear as thin, grayish-white or green 
• Fishy smell after sex
• Sensations of itching or burning
• Nothing! Some people never experience symptoms and still have BV.

Causes of BV

The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is actually still a mystery. However, certain things do increase your risk since plenty of common behaviors can mess with natural pH, leading to BV.

Be aware of these potential triggers:

• Douching
• Scented soaps or feminine hygiene products
• Unprotected sex
• Routine hormonal changes
• The insertion of an IUD
• A visit to your GYN, where tools and /or latex are often introduced to your vaginal environment

So, a number of things can cause BV.

But you know what can’t? Poor hygiene. So if you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, know that it’s not your fault and nothing to be ashamed of. You aren’t dirty, you’re just a woman or vagina owner!

Treatment Options for BV

The good news about bacterial vaginosis is it's perfectly curable. It’s best to discuss your treatment with a medical professional.

But, just so you're aware, here are some common bacterial vaginosis treatments:

• An antibiotic tablet called metronidazole can be used to treat BV. If a doctor prescribes this to you, expect to take it twice a day for 7 days and always after mealtime. 
• A vaginal cream such as clindamycin can be prescribed if you’re unable to take an oral antibiotic.
• Probiotics can supplement your course of treatment to restore healthy bacteria.

Once you’ve managed your BV, be aware that it can come back – and that’s okay. With proper management, recurrent BV can be navigated without impacting your life or your sex life!. 

Does BV go away on its own?

Sometimes, BV and its symptoms will go on their own merry way without any medical intervention, especially if symptoms are mild. But you don’t want to jeopardize your long term health, so it’s best to seek medical assistance for proper diagnosis and care.

Prevention Tips

Even though BV is a common vaginal condition and easy to manage, that doesn’t mean anyone's stoked to get it. Not to worry.

There are actually steps you can take to reduce the risk, many of which involve protecting and maintaining your natural pH.

• Avoid douching. It can interrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
• Make sure your soaps are mild and unscented. Harsh or scented products can irritate the vaginal area and upset its delicate pH balance.
• Practice safe sex. Using condoms can help reduce the risk of introducing new bacteria that may trigger BV. (Note: This isn’t totally guaranteed).
• Consider adding a probiotic to your daily routine. Probiotics can support the healthy bacteria in your body, helping maintain a balanced vaginal environment.
• Loop your partner in.

The bottom line

Bacterial vaginosis: It’s super common, totally treatable, and getting it doesn’t mean you aren’t taking care of yourself! If you notice symptoms, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor or an HCP. This is only so your BV doesn’t develop into something unwanted, or lead to the contraction of an STI.

And remember, be kind to your body and practice compassion. Even if BV can be a little embarrassing, it's not your fault, and prioritizing your vaginal health is just another form of self-care.

If, after reading this article, you’re concerned that your discomfort where the sun doesn’t shine goes beyond BV, you may want to look into testing for STIs.