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Vaginal health can feel confusing.
Here are a few useful basics, with sources you can check.
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The basics
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush are the two most common vaginal infections in the UK, well ahead of trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection. BV and thrush have different causes.
Source: NHS, Bacterial vaginosis; NHS, Thrush in men and women (opens in a new tab); Bupa UK, Vaginal infections.
Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by Candida, a fungus that normally lives harmlessly in the body. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, though sex can sometimes trigger it or pass it on.
BV happens when the usual balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. Unlike thrush, it is more often symptomless: around half of women with BV have no symptoms at all. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, although sexual activity can trigger it.
Source: NHS, Bacterial vaginosis.
Yes. BV is estimated to affect around 1 in 3 women at least once in their lives, and thrush is even more widespread: around 75% of women will have it at least once, with an estimated 1.2 million women in the UK living with recurrent thrush (four or more episodes a year).
Source: patient.info, Bacterial Vaginosis; Denning et al., The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2018 (modelled estimate).
Science articles
Flora and fiction
Myth or fact?
Tap the card to turn it over. No shame. Just clear information.
Myth: BV is a sexually transmitted infection.
Fact: BV isn’t classed as an STI. Sex can affect the balance of bacteria, but you can get BV without being sexually active.
Source: NHS, Bacterial vaginosis.
Myth: Thrush means you’re unclean.
Fact: Thrush isn’t caused by poor hygiene. In fact, perfumed soaps and vaginal washes can make irritation worse.
Myth: Every unusual discharge is thrush.
Fact: Discharge can change for many reasons. BV and thrush can look and feel different, so don’t guess if you’re unsure.
Source: NHS, Vaginal discharge.
Myth: You just have to put up with it.
Fact: If symptoms keep returning, speak to a healthcare professional. They can check the cause and discuss your care.
Need support now?
We can’t give medical advice. Speak to a pharmacist, your GP or a sexual health clinic. For urgent advice, call NHS 111.