Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Thrush gets all the attention, but bacterial vaginosis is actually more common among women of reproductive age. 

If you are a woman and are between 15 and 44 years of age, you are in the group most at risk of bacterial vaginosis (or BV for short). It is the most common cause of vaginal infections, but fortunately it's also simply treated.  

BV is caused by a change in the pH balance in your vagina. When this happens, natural good bacteria (lactobacilli) in your vagina can be replaced by overgrowing”harmful” bacteria, leading to bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis symptoms

    • Fishy or unpleasant odor 
    • Watery discharge 
    • Greyish white discharge 
    • Worsening of the above symptoms after sex or during your period 

    Everyone is different, so you might have BV and not suffer from any symptoms at all. You should also remember that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection and it should not cause you any soreness or irritation. 

    You should see your doctor if: 

    • You are suffering from the symptoms of BV for the first time 
    • You are pregnant
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    Understanding BV

    Many women are not aware that most vaginal infections are caused by bacteria rather than yeast, like in the case of thrush, or trichomoniasis.

    Bacterial vaginosis treatment

    Bacterial vaginosis symptoms can be treated at home with a topical vaginal treatment. 

    Products like Canesbalance BV Gel help regulate the pH balance of your vagina. Canesbalance provides triple benefits: relieves the unpleasant odor immediately, regulates abnormal discharge and restricts the growth of bad bacteria while simultaneously supporting the growth of good bacteria. Canesbalance is a 7-day treatment, but you should notice reduced symptoms within 2-3 days. Thanks to handy and hygienic applicator tubes Canesbalance BV gel is also convenient and easy to use.

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    Preventing bacterial vaginosis

    Canesten laundry detergent icon

    Avoid using strong detergent to wash your underwear. Change your underwear immediately after swimming or exercising.

    Canesten deodorant spray icon

    Do not over-wash and avoid using perfumed products and deodorants around your vaginal area.

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    Change your tampons or pads frequently.

    Facts about BV

    Canesten sperm icon

    Using protection during sex can help you avoid BV. Semen is among the factors that may trigger bacterial vaginosis.

    Canesten pH drop icon

    The natural pH in your vagina is lower than 4.5, which means it is slightly acidic. A pH greater than 4.5 is considered alkaline and is suggestive of bacterial vaginosis.

    Canesten yeast cells under microscope icon

    While BV can be mistaken for thrush, they are two different conditions with different treatments. When in doubt you should consult your doctor for a diagnosis or give a try to Canestest.

    Canesten vaginal douche icon

    Vaginal douching is known to cause BV, as it upsets the natural balance of your vagina, and can also increase the risk of STIs or other vaginal infections.

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    Canestet Self-Test for Vaginal Infections 1 swab

    Diagnose yourself at home

    Diagnose common vaginal infections from home with our easy-to-use self-test! Canestest is convenient and clinically proven to deliver results with over 90% accuracy.