Holistic healing

Are YOU suffering from BV?

You think it’s thrush, but bacterial vaginosis has a lot of the same symptoms, and we’re here to guide you through.

Many women often overlook their intimate health, but if you start to notice that something isn’t quite right down there, you’re not alone. If you haven’t heard of bacterial vaginosis, you are one of many women out there – and while it may sound scary, it’s very common and can easily be treated.

Canesten discusses bacterial vaginosis, looking at the causes, symptoms and how it differs from thrush.

What is BV?

Bacterial vaginosis affects more women than you’d think, so remember you are not the only one.

BV is a common infection of the vagina, and can easily be treated with antibiotics or vaginal gels available without prescription. It is the most common cause of vaginal infections in women of childbearing age. BV is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) even though it can be

triggered by sex.

What causes it?

Your vagina is normally acidic – this helps prevent bad bacteria from growing and maintains the level of good bacteria known as lactobacillus. A lot of women are unaware of what causes BV; so don’t get yourself worked up if you’re unsure. BV can occur when there’s a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.

There is no single cause of BV, but you’re more likely to get it if:

– You’re sexually active

– You’ve had a change in partner

– You have a IUD (birth control intra-uterine device)

– You use perfumed products around your intimate area

What is the difference between Thrush and BV?

It’s common for women to mistake BV for thrush, but they are two very different conditions with different symptoms. Each infection is treated differently, which is why it’s important to know which

infection you may have.

BV is a bacterial infection and key symptoms include:

– Fishy or unpleasant odour

– Watery discharge

– Thin, grey, white or green vaginal discharge

– Worsening of the above after sex or during your period

It’s important to remember that bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection and it should not cause you any soreness or irritation.

Thrush is a fungal infection and usually occurs at a normal vaginal pH and is

common in women between the ages of twenty – forty. Symptoms of thrush

include:

– Itching

– Soreness

– Thick white discharge

Thrush is a common vaginal yeast infection – an inflammation of your vagina. Both fungus and bacteria naturally live in your vagina, but when the fungus Candida albicans increases, it can cause thrush. This fungus may increase when your immune system is weak or when good bacteria can’t keep the fungus under control. An accurate way of understanding what infection you may have is by using Canestest – a simple self- test for vaginal infections, available over-the- counter. The

easy-to- use swab measures the pH level of your vagina, and results should then be interpreted in conjunction with the symptoms table at the back of the pack, helping you to understand whether you are suffering from thrush or bacterial vaginosis.

How Do I Treat BV?

If you have BV, you can treat it effectively with Canesbalance, a 7 day treatment

available on self-selection, from the makers of Canesten.

Canesbalance is clinically proven to simply & effectively treat symptoms of BV by

helping to correct the pH balance. Canesbalance vaginal gel is delivered in pre-filled, single use applicators. It contains lactic acid, which effectively relieves the unpleasant odour and restores the normal pH of the vagina. It also contains glycogen, which provides nutrients to good bacteria and supports their growth. If you are pregnant and suffering from BV, it’s advised that you consult your doctor.