If You're Itchy & Uncomfortable It Might Be Bacterial Vaginosis
Our collective understanding of BV isn't so clear though. While currently it's not classed as a STI by official health bodies, it is linked to sex and research from March this year argues that it fits the definition of being a STI. So in the months or years to come, we might see how we categorise BV change.
Prof Catriona Bradshaw, who led on this groundbreaking trial, said: "Our trial has shown that reinfection from partners is causing a lot of the BV recurrence women experience, and provides evidence that BV is in fact an STI. Part of the difficulty in establishing whether BV is sexually transmitted has been that we still don't know precisely which bacteria are the cause, but advances in genomic sequencing are helping us close in on that mystery."
For now, the best thing to do is understand how BV presents in the body, and what you can do about it.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
BV is the most common vaginal infection among women and people with vaginas, according to Dr. Kate McLean, chief medical officer at Evvy. "It's not caused by a single 'bad' bacteria, but rather by a disruption in the vaginal microbiome. This imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms, but sometimes BV presents without any noticeable signs." McLean says that although BV is often treated like a "single diagnosis", it actually is a broad umbrella term covering a range of issues, which is why BV looks different person to person.
Common symptoms include a thin, greyish-white vaginal discharge, a strong "fishy" odor, vaginal itching or irritation, and a burning sensation in the vagina or sometimes during urination. However, up to 84% of people with BV may experience no symptoms at all, McLean adds.
BV can have broader health risks for women, including infertility, IVF failure, premature birth (if pregnant), and STI contraction. So if you think you have signs of it, or something just doesn't feel right down there, it's important to go to a doctor.
How to treat bacterial vaginosis
BV is usually treated with antibiotics. However, recurrence can be common. More than 50% of patients experience BV again within six months, McLean adds. This is why it's important to see your GP.
Sometimes, especially in those who are asymptomatic, it can go away on its own. Dr. Christine Curry, Clinical Director for Women's Health at ŌURA, says how long this will take a "quite individualised". She says it's worth considering if it's even wise to wait it out if you are experiencing symptoms. "If the discharge, pain, itching or odor are making it hard to work, exercise or have sex, it may be worth talking to your doctor about a course of antibiotics. A lot of people don't realise that having BV means that the vagina is overall pretty inflamed. All of that inflammation makes getting or giving sexually transmitted infections (STI) more likely." There is a higher chance of getting an infection with chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
How to prevent bacterial vaginosis
Sexual activity is a huge trigger for BV, including unprotected sex, sex with a new partner, or sex with multiple partners. "This is due to the bacteria in semen (and its higher pH) as well as the bacteria in/on the penis, vagina, or mouth of your partner," McLean says. But it isn't just sex. Smoking, douching, and hormonal changes also play a role in a person's susceptibility of getting it.
McLean says to avoid using scented products down there, avoid using period products for longer than advised, to wash sex toys and cover them with a condom during partnered sex, and use condoms and dental dams during sex.
What's the difference between BV and a yeast infection?
"While both can cause discomfort, BV and yeast infections have different causes and require different treatments," McLean says. "BV is an overgrowth of bacteria and often causes a fishy-smelling discharge. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi and typically result in thick, white discharge itching and irritation." Confusing the two is common, but treating one as the other can worsen symptoms.
Will BV one day be classed as a STI?
That remains to be seen. One thing preventing this, according to Curry, is that people who aren't sexually active can still get BV. Although, sexual contact is highly linked with BV.
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New York Post
4 days ago
- New York Post
Men are a ‘major reason' women keep getting this ‘fishy' infection — now there's finally a better way to treat it
There's something fishy going on — and finally, a way to reel in one of the leading culprits. A female-founded health startup just unveiled a game-changing treatment for the most common vaginal issue women face during their reproductive years. But here's the twist: it targets their male partners. 'With this launch, we are empowering couples to tackle it together, with transparency, science and zero shame,' said Priyanka Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of Evvy, a vaginal healthcare platform. 5 The infection stems from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Nitcharee – What is BV? Short for bacterial vaginosis, BV is a common infection that strikes when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina gets thrown out of whack. About 35% of women will experience it at some point in their lives. It's usually treated with antibiotics — but for more than half of patients, the infection comes back within six months, kicking off a frustrating cycle. What are the symptoms of BV? Symptoms include: Thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge A strong fishy odor, often more noticeable after sex Mild vaginal itching, irritation or burning But up to 84% of people with BV may experience no symptoms at all, Dr. Kate McLean, Evvy's chief medical officer and OB-GYN, told The Post. That's why 'proactive testing and awareness of your baseline vaginal microbiome can be so important.' 5 A strong, unpleasant fishy odor is a common sign of BV – BV can trigger also widespread inflammation that messes with more than just your comfort. Untreated, it's been linked to infertility, IVF failure, preterm birth, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and even gynecological cancers. 'This makes BV not just a discomfort issue, but a critical, under-recognized driver of women's health,' McLean said. How do women get BV? It's technically not a STI, but men play a role. 'Men can carry and transmit the bacteria associated with BV because the bacteria can live on the skin and mucous membranes of the penis or genital area,' McLean said. 5 BV is closely linked to sexual activity and can be transmitted between partners, but it isn't considered an STI. luckybusiness – They may not feel a thing, but they can still pass along the bacteria that triggers infection. 'Research shows it's more common in women with new or multiple male partners, and in those whose partners don't use condoms,' McClean said. Uncircumcised men may also carry higher levels of BV-linked bacteria under the foreskin. 'While men don't technically 'catch' BV, they can act as carriers and reintroduce BV-associated bacteria, which may explain why BV often recurs after treatment,' McClean said. How can men help prevent BV? 'Emerging research validates what so many of us in women's health have suspected — untreated male partners can be a major reason BV keeps coming back,' McLean said. 5 When harmful bacteria in the vagina overtake beneficial ones, it can lead to a range of unpleasent symptoms. Dr_Microbe – BV may not be on men's radar, but that doesn't stop them from unknowingly passing it to their partners — again and again. 'This is similar to how STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea can be asymptomatic in men but symptomatic and damaging in women,' McLean explained. In a new landmark study, researchers found that treating male partners alongside women with BV slashed the chances of the infection coming back. In fact, the results were so strong that researchers cut the trial short to offer the treatment to everyone involved. 'Treating both partners at the same time helps break that 'ping-pong' cycle of reinfection, reducing the likelihood of frustrating recurrences and downstream health impacts,' McLean said. 5 Men can access Evvy's new treatment even if their female partner wasn't diagnosed on the platform. Evvy What is Evvy's new treatment, and how do men get it? The two-part antibiotic regimen is given to men to help reduce BV recurrence in their female partners. It combines oral metronidazole with a topical clindamycin gel, taken twice a day for seven days. First, women need to get diagnosed with BV — which they can do through their doctor or Evvy, which sells a vaginal microbiome test that helps uncover infections, fertility issues and menopause concerns. Their male partner can then use Evvy's website to request the $129 treatment, which is shipped to their door. 'You fill out a short health intake for a clinician to review asynchronously, and if appropriate, the clinician prescribes male partner BV treatment within 12 hours,' she explained. 'For decades, BV treatment has failed to account for the full picture,' McLean said. 'By offering science-backed treatment for male partners, we're offering support to both in achieving lasting relief.'
Refinery29
07-08-2025
- Refinery29
If You're Itchy & Uncomfortable It Might Be Bacterial Vaginosis
If you've ever experienced bacterial vaginosis, otherwise referred to as BV, you'll know how uncomfortable it is. But you'll also know, it's very common and can be easily treated with an antibiotic. Our collective understanding of BV isn't so clear though. While currently it's not classed as a STI by official health bodies, it is linked to sex and research from March this year argues that it fits the definition of being a STI. So in the months or years to come, we might see how we categorise BV change. Prof Catriona Bradshaw, who led on this groundbreaking trial, said: "Our trial has shown that reinfection from partners is causing a lot of the BV recurrence women experience, and provides evidence that BV is in fact an STI. Part of the difficulty in establishing whether BV is sexually transmitted has been that we still don't know precisely which bacteria are the cause, but advances in genomic sequencing are helping us close in on that mystery." For now, the best thing to do is understand how BV presents in the body, and what you can do about it. What is bacterial vaginosis? BV is the most common vaginal infection among women and people with vaginas, according to Dr. Kate McLean, chief medical officer at Evvy. "It's not caused by a single 'bad' bacteria, but rather by a disruption in the vaginal microbiome. This imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms, but sometimes BV presents without any noticeable signs." McLean says that although BV is often treated like a "single diagnosis", it actually is a broad umbrella term covering a range of issues, which is why BV looks different person to person. Common symptoms include a thin, greyish-white vaginal discharge, a strong "fishy" odor, vaginal itching or irritation, and a burning sensation in the vagina or sometimes during urination. However, up to 84% of people with BV may experience no symptoms at all, McLean adds. BV can have broader health risks for women, including infertility, IVF failure, premature birth (if pregnant), and STI contraction. So if you think you have signs of it, or something just doesn't feel right down there, it's important to go to a doctor. How to treat bacterial vaginosis BV is usually treated with antibiotics. However, recurrence can be common. More than 50% of patients experience BV again within six months, McLean adds. This is why it's important to see your GP. Sometimes, especially in those who are asymptomatic, it can go away on its own. Dr. Christine Curry, Clinical Director for Women's Health at ŌURA, says how long this will take a "quite individualised". She says it's worth considering if it's even wise to wait it out if you are experiencing symptoms. "If the discharge, pain, itching or odor are making it hard to work, exercise or have sex, it may be worth talking to your doctor about a course of antibiotics. A lot of people don't realise that having BV means that the vagina is overall pretty inflamed. All of that inflammation makes getting or giving sexually transmitted infections (STI) more likely." There is a higher chance of getting an infection with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. How to prevent bacterial vaginosis Sexual activity is a huge trigger for BV, including unprotected sex, sex with a new partner, or sex with multiple partners. "This is due to the bacteria in semen (and its higher pH) as well as the bacteria in/on the penis, vagina, or mouth of your partner," McLean says. But it isn't just sex. Smoking, douching, and hormonal changes also play a role in a person's susceptibility of getting it. McLean says to avoid using scented products down there, avoid using period products for longer than advised, to wash sex toys and cover them with a condom during partnered sex, and use condoms and dental dams during sex. What's the difference between BV and a yeast infection? "While both can cause discomfort, BV and yeast infections have different causes and require different treatments," McLean says. "BV is an overgrowth of bacteria and often causes a fishy-smelling discharge. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi and typically result in thick, white discharge itching and irritation." Confusing the two is common, but treating one as the other can worsen symptoms. Will BV one day be classed as a STI? That remains to be seen. One thing preventing this, according to Curry, is that people who aren't sexually active can still get BV. Although, sexual contact is highly linked with BV.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
‘We get banned' all the time: Why Megababe and Evvy still face pushback on women's health products
Megababe and Evvy make personal care and health-related products that, at some point, will be needed by at least half the population. But these companies have had to overcome one hurdle after another in the years since they launched. Shopify just killed UX design 'No Kings Day' map, speakers, cities: Everything to know about today's protests Ram Trucks fires up a near-perfect brand apology ad Despite the relative successes of their companies—particularly with identifying markets for products that address taboo topics head-on—these problems still persist, the founders said during a panel discussion at Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Summit in New York last week. 'We get banned on social media advertising all the time,' said Priyanka Jain, cofounder and CEO of Evvy, a women's health company that's focused primarily on the vaginal microbiome. 'We get banned, too,' added Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, which sells more than 45 products mostly aimed at addressing issues in the nether regions. While a hemorrhoid cream named 'Butt Stuff,' in the case of Megababe, or Evvy's use of the words 'vaginal microbiome' or 'pelvic floor' raise alarm bells for social media companies, the founders pointed out that advertising for erectile dysfunction medication and pornography seemingly do not. But both women are, by now, accustomed to convincing stakeholders of all varieties that there's a sizable and viable market for their products. 'The taboo and stigmatized areas are probably some of the largest opportunity spaces because, by definition, they are areas that have been underserved,' Jain told the audience. 'You have to push past the uncanny valley or that difficult time, but then you actually have a higher upside on the other side because it's likely an unserved market with a lot of need.' By the time Sturino launched Megababe in 2017, she had amassed a social media following that was about 70,000 strong, and she would ask her community of followers each spring what products they planned to use for thigh chafe. Naturally, when she started the brand for that community, the company's anti-chafing stick was one of its first products. But she heard a common refrain from people in the beauty industry. 'It was a lot of: 'No one wants this,'' Sturino recalled. Megababe ranks No. 2 on Fast Company's list of the Most Innovative Companies in Beauty for 2025. Undeterred, she and her startup team created 20,000 units of products. 'And we actually sold through our entire first run of inventory in the first month we launched.' Meanwhile, when Jain cofounded Evvy about four years ago, she told the audience there were two challenges that proved to be an uphill battle. 'One was that we were building a women's health company, which people inherently believed was niche, that it was a small market,' Jain said. 'And then it was the fact that obviously we were starting a vagina company.' Then, as now, Jain said Evvy's marketing strategy is providing education information—including a stat she referenced that vaginal discomfort is the leading reason why women seek healthcare advice in the United States. When fundraising, she said she focused on how massive the market was for products that weren't solving the real problem. 'Look at all of the money that women are spending on wipes, washes, suppositories, whatever will make their vagina smell like a flower because there's this fundamental root problem that isn't being solved for them,' she said of those conversations. 'It was very much starting with the data, starting with the numbers, and frankly not talking about the moral rightness of investing in women's health.' In its early days, Evvy started a TikTok channel and racked up millions of views because, Jain said, people were actively searching for information about vaginal health. What's more, the company has used three guiding principles to inform its product lineup: Provide what patients actually want, identify the best science, and provide education when there's either a gap or stigma. While Evvy's mission quickly resonated with consumers, Jain advised that entrepreneurs may need to take a different approach to connect on a business level with investors. 'Lead with the data and lead with the numbers.' And even though Megababe is sold by major retailers, Sturino continues to lean on her community of social media followers, now numbering 800,000-plus on Instagram alone. It's there that she might test product ideas that will bring a solution to women who are already dealing with an issue—including the aforementioned hemorrhoid cream. She said it's helpful if other entrepreneurs with similar taboo-tackling business ideas are tackling a problem they know is real. 'You have to keep going and believing in yourself,' she said. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter:
