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Topics: Health
Callum Jones
Doctors have detailed some of the symptoms to be aware of when it comes to an infection that millions of women across the world suffer from.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, are well talked about, with testing available in sexual health clinics across the country.
However, some health experts want a specific condition to be recognized as an STI. It's caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Men cannot get it, though they can still carry the bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis) that can cause an infection in women, with it typically affecting women who are sexually active and/or have multiple sexual partners. Though women who are abstinent can also develop it.
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Studies have suggested that up to 84 percent of individuals who have the condition - called bacterial vaginosis - experience no symptoms whatsoever, meaning that it can often go unnoticed.
Dr Valentina Milanova told Metro: "The traditional argument against calling bacterial vaginosis an STI is that it stems from an overgrowth of endogenous flora rather than a single external pathogen.
"But this is becoming increasingly difficult to defend."
The gynecologist and founder of women's healthcare brand Daye, went on to say the guidance regarding sexual health hasn't been updated in a number of years, which she believes means clinicians 'are not routinely treating partners'.
Dr Milanova also claimed that clinics are not 'notifying contacts, or screening systematically — leaving many women stuck in a cycle of recurrence which impacts women’s holistic wellbeing'.
There are a number of symptoms that can surface, including a watery, thin or grayish discharge from the vagina.
Those with BV might also experience discharge with a strong 'fishy' smell, as well as a discharge that is more noticeable during sex or when they are on their period.
BV usually clears up within seven days with appropriate prescribed treatment, while a longer course of antibiotics may be required to help those with it recurring.
Without any means of treatment, the infection can take months to subside, though it can disappear without any need for antibiotics, especially if you don't have any symptoms.
While you can't completely prevent getting BV, the Cleveland Clinic lists several things you can do to help reduce your risk:
Despite the calls from some to see BV classed as an STI, Dr Giuseppe Aragona told the Metro its behavior makes it different to the likes of chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
"While there’s growing evidence of sexual transmission dynamics and partner involvement in recurrence, it still doesn’t behave like a classic STI in terms of a single causative organism or straightforward transmission pattern," he said.