Thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis

Sexual Health Information

Thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis

If your current symptoms appear to be the same as described for thrush and BV, and you have had no recent change in sexual partner then you can buy treatment from the pharmacy or get a prescription from your GP.

Bacterial Vaginosis:

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. One in three people with a vagina get it at some point in their lives. People who have a penis don’t get Bacterial Vaginosis.

It's not a sexually transmitted infection and for many people, Bacterial Vaginosis goes away by itself.

Please click here for more information on BV.

Thrush:

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast fungus.

It's not a sexually transmitted infection but can sometimes develop after you've had sex. It can develop in the vagina and on the genitals.

It's a very common cause of unusual vaginal discharge – 3 out of 4 people with a vagina will have thrush at some point in their lives.

It’s unusual for people who have a penis to get thrush.

Please click here for information on thrush.

Latest posts from YorSexualHealth

@YorSexualHealth

23rd May 2025

Our service is busy and we have limited appointments available. Our central bookings team are still available to take your call on 01904 721111, and will do their best to secure you an appointment that suits you. Thank you for your patience. You may prefer to seek help elsewhere, such as your local pharmacy or GP. Visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy for more information on the offer at your nearest pharmacy, which can include emergency contraception and contraception. If you are unsure about your symptoms, or would like further information, you can visit NHS 111 for guidance.

@YorSexualHealth

13th May 2025

🧠 Mental Health Awareness Week 🧠 Mental health is more than just a small part of our lives, it's woven into everything. Mental health is our physical health and our relationships too, linking it closely with our sexual health. We know both can be tricky to talk about! YSH runs a free and confidential counselling service for people living within York and North Yorkshire who wish to seek support around different aspects of sexual health, such as self confidence, the impact of an STI diagnosis, and support for survivors of sexual assault. Our counsellors are experienced professionals, both in counselling and sexual health, and are members of recognised professional associations, so you're in the safest of hands. Visit https://www.yorsexualhealth.org.uk/our-services/counselling/ for more information and to self refer.