BV &
Thrush

At SISTR, your intimate health is important to us. We offer reliable and convenient testing for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush, giving you the answers you need with confidential support from our doctors. We're here to help you understand what's going on, get the right treatment, and prioritise your wellbeing with confidence, no matter your sexuality or gender.

Medicare Price: $0 (Free)

Non-Medicare Price: $245

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria within the vagina. BV occurs when protective lactobacillus species are reduced and other anaerobic bacteria overgrow.

BV is not strictly classified as a sexually transmitted infection; however through a landmark study by Monash and the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, it has been shown that bacteria passed between partners resulted in recurrent bacterial vaginosis when only one partner was treated.

Bacterial Vaginosis can be asymptomatic, but often is accompanied with an abnormal ‘fishy’ or unpleasant odour, and watery clear or grey discharge.

Treatment involves topical or oral antibiotics, and discussion around treating regular partner/sto prevent reinfection.

Thrush

Thrush is a common vaginal and vulval yeast infection caused by the fungus candida, mainly candida albicans species. There is normally some yeast on parts of the body including bowel and vagina. Vaginal thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal. Thrush is more likely with oral contraceptive use, if you have taken antibiotics, you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Approximately 75% of women will have thrush at least once.

Vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted Infection (STI) but sexual partners with a penis may experience redness and irritation.

It is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and signs but a vaginal swab can be collected and sent to the lab. Testing for STIs or other conditions that have similar symptoms to thrush may be needed.

Testing info

Bacterial vaginosis and thrush can both be tested for by a vaginal microscopy and culture swab for those with a vagina.

For those with a penis, a penile microscopy and culture test can test for thrush, however we do not yet have a bacterial vaginosis test for those with a penis.

For partners of people with a vagina who have tested positive for bacterial vaginosis, treatment can be arranged through SISTR.

For more information click here.