Bacterial vaginosis

vaginal; infections; gardnerella; bacterial; vaginosis; vagina; discharge;

Contents

• More Information
• Resources in South Australia

Many bacteria live healthily on the surface of the vagina, not causing any problems.  They are called vaginal 'flora'. In bacterial vaginosis there are too many bacteria such as Gardnerella. 

Bacterial vaginosis is very common, and most women will have it at some time in their life, but some women have it much more often than others, and it is not clear why they get so many flare-ups of vaginosis. 

It does not seem to be sexually transmitted, because it only affects women, but it can be triggered by sexual intercourse. Women who have female partners can also have vaginosis.

More Information

Clinic 275 (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Service, South Australia 'Bacterial Vaginosis'  
http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/bvag.pdf  

Department of Health (South Australia) - Communicable Diseases Branch 'Bacterial vaginosis'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/bacterialvaginosis-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf

Resources in South Australia

• Clinic 275 (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic)
  (08) 8222 5075 Country callers 1800 806 490.
  http://www.stdservices.on.net
• Shine SA (Sexual Health, information, networking and education)
  http://www.shinesa.org.au/  
  Sexual Healthline 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday
  1300 883 793 Country callers 1800 188 171
• The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
  - Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
  - South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
  - North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
  - West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
• Youth Health line  1300 13 17 19

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).