What is BV and Why Your Bubble Bath Might Be Making Symptoms Worse

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal condition affecting women aged 15 to 44. But, despite how common it is, many people may not know what causes it or why it keeps returning. While it may come as a surprise, something as simple as your favourite bubble bath could be adding to the problem. Learning how BV occurs, and factors that can trigger symptoms could help to make lasting changes to keep vaginal flora healthy.

What is BV?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance to the bacteria in the vagina. A healthy vagina contains a level of bacteria called lactobacilli which produce lactic acid, keeping the vaginal pH under 4.5. This slightly acidic environment prevents other, unwanted, bacteria from overgrowing. But, when these bacteria levels change, and the vaginal pH rises, this enables other bacteria to multiply and cause symptoms of BV.

While many people assume that BV is caused by poor hygiene, or that it is a form of sexually transmitted infection, this is not true. BV can affect anyone with a vagina and can occur even if your hygiene routine is very clean.

Common Symptoms of BV

Symptoms of BV can vary from one person to the next. While some will experience no symptoms at all, others may notice obvious changes. The most common signs of an infection include grey or white discharge, or a fishy smell that may become stronger following sex. Symptoms such as irritation or burning does not usually occur with bacterial vaginosis and may indicate a different (perhaps co-occurring) infection.

Tips to Help Prevent BV

There are several steps that may help reduce the risk of developing BV or prevent it from coming back.

How Bubble Baths Can Trigger BV Symptoms

While a relaxing warm bubble bath may help to ease the symptoms of a bad day, they can cause more damage than good when it comes to BV. Many fragranced bath products can upset the delicate vaginal environment by raising the pH levels and allow that unwanted bacteria to grow more easily. Not only this, but the skin around the vagina can become easily irritated when exposed to strong bath foams or scented shower gels, causing further discomfort.

Even those products labelled as ‘gentle’ can sometimes disturb natural balance. For those suffering from frequent BV infections, it might be worth avoiding fragranced baths and opting for showers instead. Using plain water to wash the external area is usually all that is needed to keep the area fresh and clean.

Can Men Catch Bacterial Vaginosis? 

No, biological men can’t get bacterial vaginosis because they don’t have a vagina; the area BV affects. However, men can carry certain bacteria on the penis, and may pass these onto female partners. This is especially a risk for men with more than one sexual partner. This doesn’t mean BV is a sexually transmitted infection, but research has suggested that sex can affect the vaginal balance. 

Women can develop BV regardless of if they’re sexually active or not, however there is a higher risk of BV in sexually active women. 

To reduce the risk of spreading BV, good genital hygiene is key. Ensure the area is kept clean, especially beneath the foreskin, to avoid bacteria to grow and build up. It is also a helpful idea to consider the barrier method, such as condoms, which can lower the chance of bacteria transferring between partners, especially if you have more than one sexual partner.

How Treatments Can Help

Here at The Family Chemist, we offer a range of clinically approved BV treatments. Available following a quick and confidential online consultation.

All of our bacterial vaginosis treatment options are only available for those who can either:

• Suffered from BV in the past as recognise the symptoms
• Spoken to a healthcare professional for a diagnosis of BV
• Taken a vaginal infection test which can indicate the presence of BV*

If this is your first time experiencing symptoms of BV, without diagnosis or a self-test, you may be refused treatment.

The Bottom Line

Bacterial vaginosis can be frustrating and sometimes embarrassing, but it is very treatable and manageable. Which a few simple changes to your routine along with the right treatment, vaginal balance can be restored quickly. If you think you may have BV consider a self-testing kit, and if you need treatment consider The Family Chemist to hep you feel confidence, comfortable, and in control of your intimate health.