BV (bacterial vaginosis) treatment
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment with a same-day GP
Speak to a GP today — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed. Antibiotic prescription sent to your pharmacy if appropriate.
GP consultation, clear diagnosis, and same-day antibiotic prescription where appropriate.
Next available: 3:00pm today · FastTrack GP Bristol
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
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Same-day appointments
GMC-registered GPs
CQC-regulated
4.8★ from 2,400+ patients
Start with video — we can see you in person the same day if needed
Start with a video GPmost BV cases
£125Enough for most cases. Seen today — prescription sent to your pharmacy.
- Typical symptoms you recognise
- Not pregnant, not recurrent
- No pelvic pain or fever
Come into clinicif we need to examine you
£125For an exam or swab — same-day appointments in Manchester.
How we treat BV
- GP assessment
A qualified GP reviews your symptoms and medical history. Video or in-clinic.
- Advice & treatment plan
Your GP explains the diagnosis clearly and sets out the right treatment for you.
- Antibiotics where appropriate
If clinically indicated, a prescription is sent to your pharmacy the same day.
You might have BV if you have
- Thin, grey or white vaginal discharge
- A strong, fishy smell — often more noticeable after sex
- Symptoms that worsen around your period
- Usually no itching, soreness or pain
What causes BV
BV happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts and the wrong mix overgrows. It isn't sexually transmitted, and it isn't caused by poor hygiene — in fact, over-washing is one of the most common triggers. A few things make BV more likely:
Scented soaps, bubble baths or vaginal washesDouching or washing inside the vaginaA new sexual partner, or multiple partnersAn intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)Smoking
Speak to a GP promptly if you have
- Symptoms during pregnancy — BV needs treatment to reduce risk of complications
- Recurrent BV (3 or more episodes in a year)
- Symptoms that haven't improved after a full course of treatment
- Pelvic pain, fever, or bleeding between periods
If you have severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding between periods, or a high fever, call 111 or go to A&E. Call 999 if you feel seriously unwell.
Is this BV or something else?
BV, thrush and STIs can all cause changes in vaginal discharge. The differences are often subtle — a GP can tell them apart quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Common questions
BV usually causes thin, grey or white discharge with a fishy smell, and typically no itching. Thrush causes thick, white discharge with itching and soreness. A GP can tell the difference quickly.
No — BV is an imbalance of the bacteria that naturally live in the vagina. It isn't classed as an STI, although sexual activity and new partners can sometimes trigger it.
Mild BV sometimes clears without treatment, but many cases return. Treatment is recommended in pregnancy, before some gynaecological procedures, and when symptoms are bothersome.
BV in pregnancy has been linked to a small increase in the risk of complications. If you're pregnant and suspect BV, speak to a GP — treatment is safe and recommended.
What happens next
Your appointmentGP assessment
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
If tests are neededTests arranged at the visit
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Treatment & next stepsPrescription, sick note or referral
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Sources: NHS Bacterial vaginosis · NICE CKS Bacterial vaginosis