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Bacterial Vaginosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan, MBBS, FRACGP · AHPRA MED0001663310 · Last reviewed: 23 September 2026
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. It's common, often causes no symptoms, and is treatable. It also often comes back, and new Australian research has changed how that's prevented.
Symptoms
A thin, white or grey discharge with a fishy smell. Many people have no symptoms at all.
How it's diagnosed
From your symptoms and a vaginal swab, which you can usually collect yourself. We'll send a pathology request to your phone if you need one.
Treatment online
BV is treated with a 7-day course of antibiotic tablets, or an antibiotic vaginal gel or cream. Your doctor can send an eScript to your phone.
Treating your partner
Australian guidelines now recommend treating an ongoing male partner at the same time: a 7-day course of antibiotic tablets plus an antibiotic cream applied to the penis. In the Australian study behind this change, BV came back in 35% of women whose partner was also treated, compared with 63% when only the woman was treated. Your partner can book their own consult with us.
If BV keeps coming back
Before partner treatment was recommended, more than half of people had BV return within 3 to 12 months. If yours keeps returning, your doctor can plan longer-term treatment with you.
Pregnancy
If you're pregnant and have symptoms, tell your doctor. BV is linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and premature labour, and treatment is recommended when there are symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get BV treatment online?
Yes. Your doctor can assess you by phone or video and send an eScript for tablets or a vaginal gel or cream.
Should my partner be treated for BV?
Australian guidelines now recommend treating an ongoing male partner at the same time. In the Australian study behind this change, BV came back in 35% of women whose partner was treated, compared with 63% when only the woman was treated.
Why does BV keep coming back?
BV often recurs. Treating an ongoing male partner at the same time lowers the chance, and your doctor can plan longer-term treatment if needed.
Can BV affect pregnancy?
BV in pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and premature labour, so tell your doctor if you're pregnant and have symptoms.
Sources: ASHM Australian STI Management Guidelines: Bacterial vaginosis; ASHM: Changes to bacterial vaginosis guidelines.
