Women’s health: How to tell the difference between BV and thrush
Women’s health is a topic that often gets skirted around or misunderstood. There is simply not enough education – especially around intimate health.
Two of the biggest issues women face are Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush, yet a worrying amount of us do not know the difference and will be using the incorrect product to treat the issue. And with 75% of women getting thrush at least once in their life, and 138 million women suffering from recurrent thrush, it is vital that we know how to recognise it and treat it correctly.
Balance Activ is on a mission to empower women to take control, by opening up the conversation and educating women on the best course of action.
According to Balance Activ spokesperson Dr Priya Gopaldas, both BV and thrush are common vaginal infections and can be treated with the right course of action. Let’s look at how you can tell the difference between them, and what treatment will help.
How to tell if you have bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects women of all ages. The main symptom of BV (and difference to thrush) is an abnormal discharge, usually grey-white and watery. It also often hash a strong fishy odour.
BV is usually caused by using perfumed products around or in your vagina or if you are sexually active – although it is important to note that BV is not an STI and should not be confused with one.
How can you treat BV?
The usual treatment for bacterial vaginosis is antibiotic tablets or gels or creams. You can get a prescription for these from a GP, sexual health clinic, or online prescription service (Boots, Superdrug and other providers offer this). If you have a same-sex partner, they might also need treatment.
Balance Activ also have a glycogen and lactic acid-based BV treatment which restores the natural balance of your vagina’s pH levels. It works by effectively mimicking your vagina’s defence mechanism to naturally restore and preserve normal pH and promote ‘good’ bacteria growth.
The lactic acid plays a vital role in maintaining your vagina’s pH balance, and glycogen acts as nutrients for ‘good’ lactobacilli bacteria. As they’re non-drug based solutions, these can be used during pregnancy.
How to tell if you have thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection that can cause incredible discomfort. While it can affect both men and women, the problem is more common in women. Thrush causes itching, irritation and soreness when you pee. And while you often will notice a white vaginal discharge, it doesn’t have a smell.
How can you treat thrush?
Thrush is usually treated with an anti-fungal medicine – either a tablet you take orally, a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary), or a cream to relieve the irritation. Thrush usually clears up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment. Your partner does not need to be treated unless they too have symptoms.
If you keep getting thrush (more than four times in 12 months) you might need to take treatment for longer – maybe up to six months. Your GP can help you work out if something might be causing your recurrent thrush, such as your period or sex. They’ll then recommend how often you should use treatment.
