The common vaginal health problem that women often mistake for thrush
We've all heard of Thrush, but have you ever heard of Bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
The uncomfortable condition affects around 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives, but more than 60% of women who have it mistake it for thrush.
Maybe It’s Not Thrush, a new campaign launched by women’s health brand Balance Activ, aims to help women spot the symptoms of BV so they can treat themselves effectively, without the hassle or awkwardness. The vagina is just another body part - like an arm or a leg - so let’s start treating it like one.
BV can caused by all sorts of things from washing with perfumed soaps, the coil and hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause.
What do the professionals say?
Dr Shazia Malik, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at The Portland Hospital, London, says: “There is still a lot of embarrassment surrounding women’s intimate health, which means women will just put up with symptoms - even if they suspect something isn’t quite right. Talking openly about conditions like BV is the first step to addressing this issue and helping women seek help to look after their vaginal health.”
Dr Malik adds: “Symptoms of BV can be easily relieved – but you need to know what you’re looking for first. Once recognised, BV should be treated otherwise it’s likely to reoccur, creating a never-ending cycle of symptoms and potential embarrassment. This can have a knock-on effect on a woman’s confidence, daily life, and even relationships. Products that treat BV effectively can be picked up in a pharmacy, saving you the bother of a trip to the GP and a course of antibiotics.”
So next time something’s up down there, remember … Maybe It’s Not Thrush? And if you’re still unsure about your symptoms, check out the Balance Activ online symptom checker. To date, it has helped nearly one million women work out what their symptoms could be.
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