The Impact of BV
“The condition can cause considerable distress and has a
huge impact on women’s lives. In my personal experience as a
consultant in GU medicine I have seen many women with BV who are
affected emotionally by the physical symptoms that the condition
brings. It affects their everyday lives, in work and at home, for
example, it is not uncommon for women to avoid having a sexual
relationship if they have recurrent BV, even if they are in a
long-term relationship.” - Dr Phillip Hay
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It is estimated that 1 in 3 women
will develop BV at some point in their
lives.2,3
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“I have had recurring BV for 4 years; to be frank they have
been 4 years of hell. My main symptoms have been soreness and the
fishy odour which makes me very self conscious. I have probably
made things worse myself as I have used douches and intimate
hygiene products. I am now trying to change my habits as I
understand that over-cleaning your intimate area can mean you
remove the good bacteria leaving you more susceptible to
BV.” Sylvie,
London
“I have been troubled by BV since I can remember, probably
since I started my period. My symptoms have been relatively slight
and consist of a continuous vaginal discharge. Over the years I
have tried various treatment methods; I started by using oral
antibiotics but these made me feel incredibly nauseous.” -
Natasha, Birmingham
2 The Family Planning
Association –http://www.fpa.org.uk/
3
Society of Sexual Health Advisors –
http://www.ssha.info/