Bacterial vaginosis: management in primary care settings

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common condition associated with an unpleasant vaginal discharge, occurring in women of childbearing age. The condition occurs in countries around the world but is more common in those areas where access to healthcare is limited. There are many associated risk factors, and symptoms vary in severity from mild or asymptomatic to more severe, with a high incidence of recurrence. 

This article will focus on BV in non-pregnant women with only a brief mention of BV in pregnancy, and hopes to give nurses and non-medical prescribers an insight into this condition, looking at symptoms, management, and complications with the aim of increasing confidence when faced with women presenting with symptoms of this troublesome infection.