Information on Bacterial Vaginosis

(Content revised 09/2025)

Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) a sexually transmitted infection?

  • Bacterial Vaginosis is NOT a sexually transmitted infection, but it may increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.
  • It is common in women of childbearing age and it occurs when there is an imbalance of normal healthy flora (bacteria) in the vagina.
  • Any women can get Bacterial vaginosis, but you are more likely to get it if: You use an intrauterine contraceptive device, you douche, and you have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners.

Is treatment necessary for Bacterial Vaginosis?

  • Majority of women have no symptoms at all, therefore treatment is not necessary.
  • If you experience any vaginitis related symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge and itching around vagina, you can seek medical advice from a Family Medicine Clinic or private doctor for treatment and to rule out other infections if necessary.
  • If you are pregnant, whether you have symptoms or not, you should seek medical advice so that appropriate management can be provided.
  • Other considerations:
    • Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of post-operative infection, such as pelvic infectious disease following gynaecological procedures (e.g. insertion of intrauterine device, termination of pregnancy and hysterectomy) and for this reason, women with signs of BV should be treated prior to the procedure.

Can Bacterial Vaginosis recur after treatment ?

  • Symptoms can recur after treatment; if you have symptoms, seek medical advice.