Can You Have Sex With Bacterial Vaginosis?

Dealing with an intimate infection affecting vaginal discharge can be frustrating. If you’ve been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), one of the first questions on your mind is probably: can you have sex with bacterial vaginosis?

Whilst common and treatable, it's important to navigate sex and intimacy with caution whilst you have an active BV infection.

As a GPhC-regulated UK online pharmacy, Quick Meds can help break down the risks, how sex affects BV and what you need to know about keeping yourself and your partner protected.

Is It Safe To Have Sex With BV?

Having sex with BV is not forbidden, however clinicians recommend avoiding sexual contact until the infection has cleared up.

Whilst not dangerous, having sex with BV can be uncomfortable. BV affects the vaginal environment, often leading to inflammation and irritation. The friction from sexual intercourse can further irritate the area, leading to discomfort, burning or even pain during and after sex.

If you do choose to have sex, it's important to use barrier contraceptive measures like condoms to reduce irritation and prevent further disruptions to the vaginal flora.

Can BV be passed to a partner during sex?

Whilst not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), BV can be passed on through sex, depending on your partner. To understand this, it’s important to know what BV is: an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina.

Because of this, the gender of your partner determines whether BV is passed on:

BV cannot be passed to male partners, as they do not have a vaginal microbiome to disrupt. Men therefore do not get BV and do not require treatment.

It can however be passed between female sexual partners. Sharing sex toys or engaging in sexual contact of the vulva can transfer bacteria. Female partners should monitor themselves and seek treatment if needed.

Does sex make BV worse?

Yes, sex can worsen symptoms of BV or even delay recovery.

A healthy vaginal pH is naturally acidic, which helps control levels of harmful bacteria. During a BV infection, the vaginal pH increases (becomes more alkaline). Semen is naturally alkaline so when this enters the vagina, it further increases pH, allowing bacteria to breed more easily. This is the reason the ‘fishy’ odour is more noticeable immediately after sex.

Additionally, sex can introduce new bacteria into the vaginal tract, regardless of strict hygiene.

Can I Use Metronidazole Gel During Sex?

If you are prescribed Zidovalgel, containing metronidazole, you should not have sex whilst using the treatment.

This is for several reasons:

• Reduced efficacy - sex can wash away the gel, meaning it won’t work as effectively to clear the infection.

• Condom damage - the gel can weaken latex in condoms and diaphragms, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy or STIs.

• Partner irritation - the gel can transfer to your partner, causing irritation.

For the best results, complete the course of antibiotic gel and wait for symptoms to completely resolve before resuming sexual activity.

Should I Tell My Partner I Have BV?

As BV carries a bit of a stigma, you might feel nervous about talking to your partner about it.
However, an open conversation can reassure your partner that BV is simply an imbalance of bacteria.

The misconception is that BV is due to a lack of hygiene. Letting your partner know why you need to pause on sex for a few days or why you need to use condoms helps take the pressure off, making sure you heal comfortably.

Summary: Tips For Managing Sex And BV

If you are dealing with BV, the following quick tips can help protect your intimate health:

• Complete the course - always complete the course of antibiotics, even if you are feeling better.

• Use condoms - to prevent semen altering vaginal pH.

• Avoid fragranced products - like soaps, bubble baths or douches, as these can worsen symptoms.

Discreet BV Treatment Online With Quick Meds

You don’t need to suffer through BV alone, or put your sex life on hold indefinitely. Treating the infection immediately is the best way to get back on track and enjoy sex comfortably again.

At Quick Meds, we offer a confidential, fully regulated online clinic. Simply complete a short online consultation, which asks about your symptoms, medical history and if you take other medication. Following this, select your treatment and checkout for a discreet delivery straight to your door.