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<p align="left"><font size="6"><strong><img src="../sti/_derived/bvag_htm_cmp_shastd2000_bnr.gif" width="650" height="60" border="0" alt="bacterial vaginosis"></strong></font></p>
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<td width="21%" valign="top" bgcolor="#D8EAFE"><!--mstheme--><font face="verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><p align="center"><a href="../sti/bvimage1"><img src="../images/bv_disch_at_introitus13_small.jpg" alt="bv_disch_at_introitus13_small.jpg (2149 bytes)" width="100" height="150"></a></p>
<h5 align="center"><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Vaginal discharges<!--mstheme--></font></h5>
<p align="center"><a href="../sti/bvimage2"></a></p>
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<td width="79%"><!--mstheme--><font face="verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">What is it?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>This is a condition that affects the vagina. Certain <a href="../glossary#Bacteria">bacteria</a>
which are present normally may be increased by as much as 1000 times the expected amount.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">How does it show itself?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>There is usually (but not always) a thin greyish <a href="../glossary#Discharge">discharge</a>.
It tends not to cause any soreness or irritation but can smell a little ‘fishy’,
especially after sex or during a period. It sometimes can be confused with thrush.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Is it common?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>Yes, very. It is difficult to estimate but perhaps as many as one in three women will
get it at some time. </p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Where does it come from?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>We don’t really know. Hormonal changes or the use of antibiotics may play a part.
It is more common in those who are sexually active and in some people using the coil for
contraception. </p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Can it be passed on sexually?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>There is no strong evidence that this happens and therefore the condition is not
classified as a sexually transmitted disease. Partners of women with bacterial vaginosis
do not usually require treatment.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Can it be treated successfully?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>Yes... though it may return at a later date. The doctor can prescribe an antibiotic
(such as <a href="../medications/metronid">metronidazole</a>) which is very effective.
This is usually in tablet form.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Side effects?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>Sometimes the medication can leave an unpleasant taste temporarily in the mouth and
cause mild stomach upsets. Alcohol must be avoided during treatment.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Can bacterial vaginosis be prevented?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>We are not sure.</p>
<h3><!--mstheme--><font color="#003366">Are there any long term risks?<!--mstheme--></font></h3>
<p>Most probably not. Bacterial vaginosis is overwhelmingly a mild condition. It is easily
treated. It may be involved in other conditions related to a woman’s health but more
studies are needed on this. </p>
<p><a href="../sti/bvag"><img src="../images/topengl.gif" alt="wpe2.gif (959 bytes)" width="27" height="27"></a> </p>
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