Your vagina might be trying to tell you something — but are you listening?
A British doctor is sounding the alarm, warning that too many women are missing the signs of a little-known vaginal condition that could lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
“Bacterial vaginosis is common, but women often mistake it for yeast infections or a sexually transmitted infection like trichomoniasis as they share similar symptoms,” Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a general practitioner at Asda Online Doctor, told the Daily Mail. ‘It’s important that women can spot the signs of BV to ensure they’re getting the right treatment, whether that’s antibiotics or internal applicators.’
The exact cause of BV isn’t fully understood, but it typically affects sexually active individuals and is the result of an imbalance between healthy and harmful bacteria naturally found in the vagina.
Wyllie said the telltale signs are a strong fishy smell, greyish-white discharge or irritation in the genital area. However, research suggests up to 84% of women with BV don’t show symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular gynecological check-ups.
There are a few simple steps you can take to lower your risk of BV — starting with ditching the scented body wash and skipping douching the next time you’re in the shower.
“As much as you want to feel and smell fresh, your vagina is already a self-cleaning pro,” Wyllie said. “Douching and using perfumed soaps can actually make BV worse by flushing out the good bacteria that keeps everything in harmony.”
She also recommended paying attention to your choice of undergarments and hygiene habits.
“Tight, synthetic underwear can trap moisture, creating the perfect conditions for BV to thrive in,” Wyllie explained. “Opt for cotton underwear for its breathable material and if you’ve had a sweaty gym session or a dip in the pool or hot tub, change out of damp clothes as soon as you can.”
And, of course, don’t forget about safe sex. “Using condoms can help protect your vaginal flora, and if you share sex toys, be sure to clean them thoroughly between uses,” Wyllie advised.
Even with these precautions, some people are at a higher risk of recurring BV due to a natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria, which is essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome.
For these individuals, probiotics are often recommended to help restore the vagina’s natural balance. This promotes the growth of good bacteria while preventing harmful bacteria from taking over.
Studies have shown that after treating initial BV, probiotics can reduce the chances of recurrence by almost half. This effect may last for a month or more.
You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, or take them as supplements.
Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis, though it’s most common during the reproductive years when hormonal fluctuations make it easier for bacteria to grow.
In fact, BV is the most common vaginal issue among women aged 15 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While often considered a relatively mild condition, BV can be easily treated with antibiotics in the form of tablets, gels, or creams. However, because BV doesn’t always show symptoms, it can sometimes go unnoticed and untreated.
In about 30% of cases, the infection may resolve on its own. But if left unchecked, BV can lead to serious health complications.
For example, BV disrupts the vagina’s natural microbiome, making it easier to transmit STIs like herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea. One theory for why this happens is that BV lowers the vagina’s acidity, weakening its natural defenses against infection.
The condition is also associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to chronic pain, reproductive system damage, ectopic pregnancies, and infertility.
If you’re pregnant, untreated BV can increase the risk of adverse outcomes like premature labor, low birth weight or even miscarriage.
