When it comes to gynae concerns, many of us feel embarrassed to talk about them so it can be confusing to know what’s normal and what should prompt a trip to the doctor. Knowing the difference between some of the most common gynae terms Thrush, BV, HPV and STIs can help you spot the symptoms and get treated earlier.
1. Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection, caused by a fungus species called Candida Albicans which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina as part of our normal flora, and does not cause any symptoms, because its growth is kept under control by other commensal microorganisms. If this balance is disrupted by things like sex, sweat, menstruation, wearing tight fitting underwear, pregnancy, taking antibiotics, being run down or having weakened immune system, stress or change in diet – it can allow the candida species to grow and dominate resulting in symptoms such as a change in vaginal discharge (can become whiter and with cottage cheese like consistency), redness, itching and irritation and dryness around the vagina/vulva and also pain on urination or sex. Thrush is not a ‘sexually transmitted infection’, but it is more common in those who are sexually active and can be passed between partners during sex. Both partners should be treated via anti-fungal medications, and it should clear up within 1-2 weeks.
2. BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is similar to thrush, in that it is caused by an overgrowth of a commensal bacteria that normally lives as part of the vaginal and vulval microbiome and doesn’t cause any problems. Normally, the vaginal/vulval microbiome is kept at a slightly acidic pH. In BV, the pH balance is shifted, and the vagina becomes less acidic which leads to a growth of predominantly anaerobic organisms and a loss of lactobacilli and symptoms of BV occur. Factors that increase the risk of this pH imbalance and BV occurring include sex (BV is not an STI but being sexually active or having concurrent STI increases the risk of developing BV), menstruation, smoking and over-cleaning the intimate area, often with harsh soaps or fragranced products. The result is often an unpleasant fishy odour and a greyish-white thin, watery discharge (It is not usually associated with other symptoms like soreness, itching, or irritation). Remember, some vaginal discharge is completely normal, but BV is the most common cause for a change in this vaginal discharge. Treating BV is simple with metronidazole, but it’s important to get treated as having BV can increase your risk of catching an STI and can cause complications if pregnant.
Top tips to minimise BV is to wear breathable cotton underwear and only wash once per day, using either just warm water or an un-fragranced wash such as Femfresh 0% sensitive wash, which is pH balanced to keep everything in harmony.
If you are suffering with symptoms of BV, Femfresh recommend trying Femfresh Solutions Odour Eliminating Gel. A single application can maintain vaginal pH in the normal range for 72 hours or more. Which means you can eliminate odour and discomfort – and enjoy long-lasting freshness and confidence.
3. HPV
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. HPV is really common and most people who are sexually active will catch it at some point. There are over 100 types of HPV and most people naturally clear it from their body within 2 years without it causing any problems. But some people get infected with certain high-risk type of HPV, which their body is not able to clear and over several years, these high-risk strains can lead to certain cancers – the most well-known being cervical cancer. HPV causes over 99% of cervical cancers, therefore, screening for HPV is the best way to catch it early, before a cancer has chance to develop. During a smear test, samples taken from the cervix are tested for HPV. If these high-risk strains of HPV are found, the sample is then checked for any abnormal changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. A lot of women get anxious if they find out they are HPV positive, but remember, whilst most cancers of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, most people do get HPV at some point and don’t develop cancer. Girls and boys aged 12-13 receive the HPV vaccine, but this protects from just a few of the most high-risk strains. Remember there are around 100 different strains of HPV, so even if you are fully vaccinated, it’s important to stay up to date with your smear tests as that is the best way to prevent cancer occurring.
4. STIs
Whilst the conditions mentioned above can be spread by sex and are more common in those sexually active, they are not termed an ‘STI’. The most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the UK are Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, but there are many more. STIs are bacteria, viruses and parasites that are passed on through unprotected sex. STIs can cause symptoms such as change in vaginal discharge, itching, soreness, redness, lumps or sores on the genitals, abdominal or pelvic pain and pain on passing urine. Importantly, most people who have an STI develop no symptoms at all. Undiagnosed and untreated STIs can cause long-term problems so it’s important to get regular tests and use barrier contraception until both you and your partner have had negative STI tests.
I hope this clears up some of the confusion regarding these common gynae terms. Remember, it’s important to get to know your own normal and if you notice any change from what’s normal for you, that you reach out to your doctor. If in doubt – get checked out!
Dr Frankie
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