​​Not every woman with BV presents with signs or symptoms. If you do present with symptoms, they can be like:

• Thin white-grey vaginal discharge
• Strong vaginal odour (fishy) that may worsen after unprotected sex or menses

​​BV is not passed on between men and women during unprotected sexual intercourse. However, it is more common among women with multiple sex partners and often develops soon after intercourse with a new partner. BV is also more common among women with female sex partners, where bacterial infection may be triggered by sharing vaginal fluids through insertion of fingers or sharing sex toys.

If you do not have any symptoms, treatment is usually not needed. Treatment may be necessary when:

• You have symptoms
• Doctor has noted signs of BV and bacteria present
• If you are about to have a procedure that could allow bacteria into the uterus (such as termination of pregnancy)
• If you are pregnant BV is usually treated with oral antibiotics (Metronidazole). If you are unable to take Metronidazole, other drugs like Tinidazole oral tablets, Clindamycin vaginal cream, or Miconazole vaginal pessaries can be given.
• ​If you are prescribed with Metronidazole, it is important for you to avoid alcohol consumption when taking this medication.