Let’s Talk BV

When it comes to talking about intimate issues, I think that we have made good headway in stopping the taboo against certain subjects. Periods are freely spoken about and across social media, a flurry of accounts that are open and honest about topics that were once seen as being something that you discussed in the privacy of your own home or doctors surgery are there to give honest, open factual accounts. It’s fantastic that we can now turn to social media to find this information but there are still female intimate issues that are less commonly spoken about. Granted, not a topic that I would have expected to be writing about but for several reasons, I wanted to use my voice to share this especially as I have seen a close friend go through a very stressful time because no one speaks about bacterial vaginosis, commonly known as BV.

My prior knowledge of BV has been somewhat limited. I was aware of the symptoms and how unfortunately I have heard some of the jokes linked to this but if you are suffering from BV, then it is far from a joke. Affecting women of a child bearing age, BV does have a stigma surrounding it due to the fact that one of the symptoms is an unpleasant “fishy” odour. I do think that this is why we should be speaking about this more. This can happen to any woman, and no woman should be made to feel uncomfortable about a situation that has been presented to them.

So, what is BV? In layman’s terms, BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of the pH level. In most cases, it is nothing to worry about as symptoms may not occur, but it may cause you embarrassment as you may find that you are getting an unusual intimate odour as well as discharge. It is perfectly normal for these symptoms to occur. It is important to note that BV is not a sexually transmitted disease however symptoms can be worsened after sex.

After seeing a friend feeling very distressed about symptoms that she was suffering from, I feel that topics such as BV shouldn’t be taboo. For the sake of your sanity and wondering if what is happening down their is normal or not, I feel that women need to talk about these things more. I am very open with my friends and family and I don’t like to have things on my mind if I can share it and get a second opinion or even more understanding. You may be surprised at how many people have experienced something like this and that their experiences can change your outlook on yours. For example, for someone experiencing BV may feel that they need to constantly wash and keep clean but as it’s a bacterial infection, where the normal vaginal pH balance is altered, it’s actually something that could make it worse. Did you know that your vagina has a naturally slightly acidic pH which puts it lower on the pH scale. This means that it usually pH 4.5.

Top tips to help prevent a BV infection 

• Avoid using perfumed products in and around your intimate area 

• Avoid over-washing and using strong detergent to wash your underwear 

• Change your tampons or pads frequently 

• Ensure you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet 

• Dry your vaginal area after washing, swimming and working out

 • Change your underwear after swimming and working out

The bonus of BV is that the symptoms can be easy to treat and the top tips can help with keeping it at bay. By regulating the pH balance with products such as Canesbalance BV Vaginal Gel*, you can treat the symptoms.

Would you find it embarrassing to discuss experiencing bacterial vaginosis with family and friends?

This post is in conjunction with Canesbalance® but all thoughts are my own. Canesbalance is a medical device. Always read the instructions. Canesbalance is the source of product claims and information above. Please always speak to your doctor if you are unsure of your symptoms and condition, they will be able to guide you on the best treatment for you.