Dear Helen,
I read somewhere in a publication that was more than 10 years old that bacterial vaginosis is quite common in women and may not be easily recognised by doctors. Does that still hold true today? Also, with BV, why is there a bad odour after sex? – Catherine Dear Catherine,
Dear Catherine,
When it comes to BV (bacterial vaginosis) I think it depends on the doctor you see and whether they will have a special interest in women’s sexual health as to whether they know what it is. It is, however, more common than ‘thrush’ or ‘yeast infection’ so I would hope that many more are aware today than were 10 years ago. It’s also more discussed in various types of media now, too.
Why it’s more noticeable after penetrative sex, particularly if this is unprotected, is because a man’s ejaculate is relatively alkaline. A woman’s vaginal secretions are relatively acidic. So, when the two mix there can sometimes be an imbalance and it’s this that triggers the malodour that people can notice. It’s worth using a condom if this is the case, though, to try and break the cycle. It may disappear without treatment or it may require some help. Of its own, it’s relatively harmless unless the woman is pregnant. In this case, she should definitely seek medical help because there’s an association between BV and miscarriage. Some women get it regularly, others only rarely but most will experience it at some time in their life.
Don’t douche (rinse the vagina out – it’s not necessary – it’s a self cleansing passage) because you’ll upset the normal flora of bacteria living in harmony within the vagina. Don’t use scented soaps or lie in a soapy bath for an extended period of time – same goes for chlorinated pools and Jacuzzis etc.
If you notice any abnormal odours ‘down there’, don’t waste time… get it checked. BV smelly like ‘rotting fish’ but TV or trichomonas vaginalis smells similar – and that is sexually transmitted. BV is not considered to be a STI, even though for some there may be an association. For others, there isn’t… it’s merely the imbalance from other causes.
I hope this helps. – Helen
