Vaginal Itching: 14 Causes and Treatments

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina. It results from a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria.

BV is a very common vaginal infection. About 35% of people with a vagina will get BV at some point. Rates are even higher among Black people with a vagina, with close to 50% getting BV.

BV usually doesn't cause any other health problems. But it can lead to issues, especially when you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

BV vs. Yeast infection

BV isn't the same as a yeast infection. BV is caused by bacteria, while a yeast infection results from a fungus called candida, which is also known as yeast.

These infections happen when the healthy levels of bacteria or yeast in the vagina get out of balance. Both BV and yeast infections cause increased vaginal discharge and require treatment. You usually can tell the infections apart due to your symptoms, but not always.

Typically, BV has a fishy smell. A yeast infection usually has no odor and involves a thick, white discharge, itchiness, burning, and pain when peeing.

Your doctor will give you an antibiotic for BV. Yeast infections can be treated using over-the-counter medications.

Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?

BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But people who are sexually active, particularly those with more than one sex partner, are more likely to get BV. People who do not have vaginas and people who are not sexually active rarely get BV.

You might feel embarrassed to have BV. But know that it is very common, can be treated by your doctor, and is not caused by anything you did wrong.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina that results from a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. BV symptoms can look like those from other infections, so it's important to find out the cause. (Photo credit: Kateryna Kon/Dreamstime)

About half of the time, people with BV have no symptoms. But they can include:

Pain, burning, or itching in the vagina

Burning sensation when you pee

Fishy smell that gets stronger after sex

Thin white, gray, or green discharge

Stomach pain

Higher vaginal pH

Bacterial vaginosis discharge

Not everyone with BV has vaginal discharge. If you do, it is usually thin and watery. The color can be white, gray, or greenish.

Bacterial vaginosis smell

You can have BV and not notice any change in vaginal odor. But often, there is a fishy or foul-smelling odor, especially after sex.

Because BV symptoms can look like those from other infections, it's important to find out the cause. See your doctor if you:

Have a new vaginal discharge along with a smell, itchiness, pain, or a fever 

Have more than one intimate partner or a new partner (if so, you might need to be checked for an STD or STI)

Used an over-the-counter medicine for a yeast infection but still have symptoms

 

It's unclear exactly why BV happens. What is known is that a type of healthy bacteria called lactobacillus keeps your vagina slightly acidic, which prevents the growth of bad bacteria. If your lactobacillus levels drop, more bad bacteria move in, and you get BV.

Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?

BV is not contagious, except during sex if both partners have vaginas. People who are sexually active are more likely to get BV. It's not known why or how sex increases the risk of BV.

You can not get it from sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has BV.

Is BV a sign of cheating?

Having BV does not mean that you or your partner are cheating. But if you have more than one sex partner, you are more likely to get BV. Sexual activity, with the same or a different partner, can change the pH or balance of bacteria in the vagina, making BV more likely.

Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?

If you keep getting BV, you're not alone. Researchers aren't sure why, but recurrent BV is very common. Nearly 50% of people with BV will get it again within one year.

Not clearing the original infection may be to blame. You can reduce your risk of having BV in the future by using condoms, not douching, keeping sex toys clean, and reducing your number of sex partners.

Anyone with a vagina can get BV, but your risks are higher if you:

Smoke.

Are sexually active. Being sexually active is a risk factor, especially if you don't use condoms or dental dams. BV isn't sexually transmitted, but researchers think that sex may change the balance of bacteria in your vagina, which makes an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria more likely.

Use a douche. Douching upsets the natural balance of bacteria. So can scented soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal deodorants.

Have a new or multiple sex partners. Having a new sex partner, or more than one, makes it more likely for you to develop BV. It isn't clear why, but people with vaginas who have female partners are most at risk. You can get BV from oral, vaginal, and anal sex.

Are in your reproductive years. Children and people who have never had sex or who are not sexually active rarely get BV. More research is needed to know how common BV is after menopause.

Use an intrauterine device (IUD). Using an IUD, which is a form of birth control that fits inside your uterus, has also been linked to BV, especially if you have irregular bleeding. But it isn't clear whether it's a direct cause.

Have a naturally low level of lactobacilli bacteria in your vagina.

Are taking antibiotics.

You can't get vaginal infections like BV from swimming pools or public toilet seats.

You're more likely to get BV during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that happen in your body while expecting. If you have BV during pregnancy, it's very important to treat it. Some research shows that BV is linked to an increased risk of certain pregnancy-related complications, such as:

Delivering your baby early (preterm birth), which can lead to issues for your baby, such as low birth weight and breathing problems

Your water breaking early (early rupturing of your amniotic sac)

Miscarriage

Some new studies point to other causes of these issues. But more research is needed as pregnant people with BV do have higher rates of pregnancy complications.

Having BV while pregnant can also put you at risk for chorioamnionitis, which is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the baby in utero. This increases your chance of early delivery. A newborn who survives this kind of delivery has a higher-than-normal risk of cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects your baby's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

To confirm a BV diagnosis, your doctor will:

Ask about your medical history

Do an overall physical exam

Do a pelvic exam

Check your vagina's pH or acidity level

Take a sample of discharge from your vagina to look for cells covered with bacteria

Tests for BV

Your doctor can check your vaginal discharge for BV. These tests include:

Wet mount or vaginal smear. This test looks at a sample under a microscope to check for infection.

Whiff test. Vaginal fluid is mixed with a chemical that produces a strong, fishy smell if you have BV.

Vaginal pH. The acidity of your discharge is checked. A high reading is a sign of BV.

PCR test. This test looks for DNA from harmful bacteria and costs more, so it is not used very often.

Home test kits

There are many BV home test kits on the market. They are not always accurate. Your best bet is to get checked by your doctor. But when used correctly, some tests are close to 90% reliable.

There are a variety of medications your doctor may prescribe to treat BV. Even if you don't have symptoms, it's important to know how to get rid of BV.

Untreated bacterial vaginosis

BV will sometimes go away on its own. More often though, the infection will continue or get worse. BV may also come back if it isn't fully treated. Untreated BV is most harmful during pregnancy but increases the risk of STIs and can cause irritation, discharge, and a strong vaginal odor.

Bacterial vaginosis medication

To treat BV, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics, which could be in the form of a tablet or granules you take by mouth, or an ovule suppository, cream, or gel you put into your vagina.

These medications include:

Clindamycin, a cream you use in your vagina. It sells under the brand names Cleocin and Clindesse. Don't rely on condoms for birth control with this medication, as it can weaken latex condoms not only while you're taking it, but for at least 3 days after you stop. 

Metronidazole, available as a pill you swallow or a gel you insert in your vagina. This medication sells under the brand names Flagyl and Metrogel-Vaginal.

Secnidazole, available as a single pill you take once. It's sold under the brand name Solosec.

Tinidazole, available as a pill you swallow. It's sold under the brand name Tindamax.

Metronidazole, secnidazole, and tinidazole won't affect the birth control pill or patch. However, they can cause nausea or stomach pain, especially if you drink alcohol during or 1-3 days after treatment. It's recommended to avoid drinking alcohol with these medications.

BV can get worse after having sex. So, avoid sexual contact until you're done taking your medicine and your symptoms are gone. 

You'll need to take most treatments for 5-7 days. Complete your entire course of medication, even if the symptoms go away. If you stop early, the infection could come back.

If your partner also has a vagina, they may want to see their doctor to find out if they need treatment. Partners with a penis do not need to be treated.

You should always talk to a doctor before trying to treat BV at home. Some home treatment methods that may help include:

Probiotics. You find these live bacteria in some foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, or kefir. You can also take probiotics as a supplement. They may help balance out the bacteria in your vagina and treat your BV.

There are at least seven types of bacteria that grow in the vagina. Lactobacillus is one of them. BV is linked to a decline in lactobacillus levels, which is found in yogurt and acidophilus milk. Some studies suggest that eating foods that contain lactobacillus may be beneficial, but more research is needed.

Do not douche with yogurt or any other product. Vaginal douching is a risk factor for BV.

Garlic supplements. A very small study on 120 women showed that taking a garlic supplement for 7 days worked as well as an antibiotic to relieve symptoms of BV.

Vitamin C. Some studies have shown that taking a daily 250 mg vitamin C supplement may help improve your vaginal pH (the measure of acidity or basicity) and increase the levels of healthy bacteria. It may also work to help prevent BV from coming back.

Boric acid for BV

Your doctor may recommend boric acid suppositories you put in your vagina. You can buy these over the counter. Boric acid can help rebalance the acid in your vagina and relieve itching and burning. There is not much research on using boric acid to treat BV or on the safety of its long-term use. But when combined with antibiotic medications, it can help clear infections, particularly for people with recurrent BV.

Hydrogen peroxide for BV

Rinsing your vagina with hydrogen peroxide may help reduce BV symptoms, treat infection, and prevent reoccurrence. Healthy vaginal bacteria produce hydrogen peroxide, which keeps bad bacteria in check. Research shows washing with hydrogen peroxide for 7 days can regulate vaginal pH and prevent BV from coming back. Check with your doctor to find out if this remedy is right for you.

Bacterial vaginosis, especially if you don't treat it, has been tied to a higher risk of other health problems. These include:

A bacterial infection, if you have a hysterectomy or other surgery on your organs while you have BV

A sexually transmitted infection such as herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, or passing HIV to your partner. There is increased HIV shedding in people with HIV when they have BV, making transmission more likely. You are also more likely to get HIV during sex from your partner if you have BV.

Less success with fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Increased risk of blockage in your fallopian tubes, preventing sperm and egg from meeting (which lowers your chance of getting pregnant)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries

Sometimes, BV comes back after treatment and can even become chronic. As many as 50% of people who have BV will have a recurrence. This may happen if:

You're resistant to treatment

Treatment didn't clear the whole infection

You are reinfected by new sexual partners

Even after BV is treated and goes away, it often returns. If that happens, you'll probably need to take antibiotics again for a longer time.

They may prescribe extended-use metronidazole.

If you use an IUD, and BV keeps coming back (recurrent BV), you may want to talk to your doctor about a different type of birth control.

To lower your chances of getting BV, take these steps:

Clean sex toys after every use.

Get tested for STDs, and make sure your sex partners are tested.

Limit your number of sex partners.

Use a condom or dental dam during sex.

Use only water or mild unscented soap to wash your vagina.

To help maintain a healthy pH in your vagina:

Don't douche.

Avoid antiseptic bath products such as antibacterial soaps, which can cause an imbalance in the bacteria in your vagina.

Wipe from front to back after you use the bathroom. If you wipe the other way, bacteria from your poop could get into your vagina and disrupt your vaginal balance.

Wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear. Less breathable fabrics trap moisture and increase heat, making bacteria growth more likely.

Avoid scented menstrual products, which can increase vaginal pH.

If you suspect you have BV, contact your doctor to get tested. Ask about any other remedies you can try in addition to taking antibiotics. Avoid sex until your infection clears and contact your doctor if you notice signs of recurrent BV.

Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?

BV can sometimes go away without treatment; however, it's important to be seen if you have symptoms, as you can have pregnancy complications and increase your risk of STDs

Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?

BV is not contagious, except it can be passed during sex between people who have vaginas.

What do BV sores look like?

BV does not cause vaginal sores. If sores are present, you may have another type of infection such as herpes or genital warts.

Why does my boyfriend keep giving me BV?

Having sex increases your risk of BV because it can disrupt your vaginal balance. Although men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) can't get BV, they can spread the bacteria, getting BV from one sexual partner who is a woman/person assigned female at birth (AFAB) and carrying it to another partner who is a woman/AFAB.  Studies show that a woman or person AFAB who has an ongoing male (AMAB) partner is twice as likely to get recurring BV; and not using a condom regularly during penis-in-vagina sex is linked to higher rates of recurring BV.

5 At-Home Bacterial Vaginosis Tests To Consider

Dr. Green and Dr. Purdy suggest the following brand-name test kits to assess for bacterial vaginosis at home. Some can be purchased online, while others may be found over the counter in stores.

MyLAB V-Box Vaginal Health Test

Price: $189Test Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: Two to five daysOverview:This testing kit from myLab can screen for five common vaginal conditions, including yeast infections, STIs and bacterial vaginosis, making it handy for those who'd prefer to screen for multiple conditions.

It includes a prepaid postage envelope to ship a vaginal swab sample to a HIPAA-compliant laboratory. In the event of a positive bacterial vaginosis test, myLab also offers consultations and possible treatment via telehealth, depending on your state.

Shop Now: Mylabbox's Website

LetsGetChecked: Vaginitis Test

Price: $199Test Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: Two to five daysOverview:The Let'sGetChecked home vaginitis kit tests for bacterial vaginosis, candida and trichomonas. The test kit comes with everything needed to take a vaginal swab sample, and the company also offers video tutorials for guidance.

Once your sample arrives at the lab, the company promises results within two to five days, with a lab report available to view online. Depending on your state, you may also be eligible for a telehealth consultation for an additional $39.

Shop Now: LetsGetChecked's Website

AZO Vaginal pH Test

Price: $15.99 for two testsTest Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: 30 secondsOverview:These pH strips by AZO can be purchased online, or over the counter at supermarkets or drug stores. The kit includes two individually wrapped pH tests and two vaginal swabs for $15.99. Although they won't offer more extensive information from a lab screening, they can provide insight into vaginal pH levels before seeking professional help. Results should typically develop within 30 seconds.

Shop Now: Amazon

CVS Health Feminine pH Test Strips, 50 CT

Price: $19.99 for 50 testsTest type: Vaginal swabResult Time: 15 secondsOverview:This pH test from CVS includes 50 paper pH test strips with an easy-to-read color-coding system. "This is a great option for those who need a quick test," adds Dr. Purdy. Although affordable, the tests aren't individually wrapped, making it important to store them in a low-humidity environment.

Shop Now: CVS

Natureland Vaginal Health pH Test Strips for Yeast Infection, BV

Price: $14.97 for 40 testsTest Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: 20 secondsOverview:Natureland's pH test strips are an option for those who'd prefer to order online from retailers like Amazon, says Dr. Purdy. Natureland's pH test strips are made from plastic rather than paper, keeping them from absorbing the swab sample; the company claims this could lower the possibility of contamination. Each box contains 40 individually wrapped packages with a color key on the tin to determine pH values. Results are available in under 20 seconds.

Shop Now: Amazon

The 6 Sexually Transmitted 'superbugs' You've Probably Never Heard Of That Are Spreading 'rapidly' Across Britain

SEVERAL lesser-known sexually transmitted infections are spreading rapidly across Britain, doctors warn.

The six bugs carry a range of symptoms - from stomach cramps to pain after sex - and could put people at risk of irreversible damage and infertility.

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Most people have heard of chlamydia and gonorrhoea - but do you know your Mycoplasma genitalium from your Donovanosis?Credit: Getty

As Valentine's Day approaches, Dr Mariyam Hassan Malik is urging Brits to be on the lookout for tell-tale signs, and to get tested if they go to bed with a new partner.

The GP, from Pall Mall Medical, told The Sun: "The key to managing and preventing the spread of such diseases lies in awareness, regular sexual health checks, timely intervention, and an open dialogue with your healthcare professionals without feeling embarrassed.

"I cannot emphasise the critical importance of regular screenings, blood tests, and safe sex practices.

"Early detection and adopting love safe measures can prevent future complications to your health and well-being.

"But if you're clued-up, you can greatly reduce your chances of receiving more than flowers on the year's most romantic day."

The most common STI in the UK is chlamydia, followed by genital warts, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis.

But Dr Malik identified six others which are on the rise.

Doctor warns of rare 'flesh-eating' STI that causes 'beefy red ulcers' that's spreading in UK 1. Mycoplasma genitalium

Transmission: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex.

Symptoms: Pain when urinating, discharge, bleeding after sex, rectal inflammation, lower stomach discomfort.

Testing: Genital swabs or urine, analysed to detect the presence of the bacterium.

Consequences: Urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility.

Treatment: Antibiotics.

How common is it: One in 50 adults in England are believed to currently carry MG.

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Mycoplasma genitalium, sometimes called MG or Mgen, is transmitted through unprotected sex.

While easily treated with antibiotics, many people don't notice they have it as symptoms can be very subtle or non-existent.

Men might experience pain when peeing, pain in their testicles and anal discharge, while women often notice abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge and pain in the lower abdomen.

If left untreated, it can cause urethritis (when the tube that carries pee from the bladder out of the body becomes swollen and sore), pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the female reproductive system), and infertility.

Dr Malik, from Manchester, said: "Timely detection and treatment are crucial."

You can protect yourself by using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners you have, and having regular screenings, she added.

Mgen is considered a relatively 'new' STI, having only been discovered in 1981 and reliable testing only available from 2017.

The NHS estimates up to one in 50 adults in England currently carry the condition.

Experts fear Mgen could become an untreatable "superbug" as it's becoming resistant to certain drugs.

2. Lymphogranuloma venereum

Transmission: Unprotected anal or vaginal sex, sharing sex toys.

Symptoms: Swelling of lymph nodes, genital or rectal ulcers, bleeding, pus, constipation, fever, rash.

Testing: Samples from genital or rectal ulcers and swollen lymph nodes are analysed.

Consequences: Chronic infection, damage to lymphatic system.

Treatment: Antibiotics.

How common is it: The infection is on the rise, from 570 cases in 2021 to 1,042 in 2022, according to government figures.

Some strains of chlamydia can cause lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).

The bacteria attacks the lymph nodes, which are an important part of the body's defence against infections.

It primarily spreads through vaginal and anal sex, but it is possible to pass it on through the mouth and throat, and sharing sex toys.

If LGV isn't treated, it can lead to chronic infection and lymphatic system damage, Dr Malik warned.

She said: "Prevention involves using condoms consistently."

Sexual Health London added: "LGV is increasingly being identified in gay and bisexual men (especially those also infected with HIV), but is rare in heterosexual men and women in the UK."

Between 2018 and 2019, there was a 56 per cent increase in reports in sexual health services (from 688 to 1,076), and a 33 per cent rise in laboratory reports (from 854 to 1,133) in men.

"Prior to 2019, the number of LGV reports peaked in 2015, then declined until 2017, but has since risen rapidly," according to a report by Public Health England.

Cases then rose 83 per cent between 2021 and 2022, from 570 to 1,042.

The rise in STIs across England

THERE were 392,453 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in England in 2022 - a 24 per cent rise on the previous year.

This included:

A 50 per cent increase in gonorrhoea since 2021.

A 24 per cent rise in chlamydia since 2021.

A 15 per cent surge in syphilis since 2021.

A total of 4,394,404 consultations at sexual health services - an eight per cent increase since 2021.

A 26 per cent rise in STI diagnoses among young people aged 15 to 24 since 2021.

A 21 per cent increase in chlamydia in young people despite no increase in testing among this group.

Source: UKHSA

3. Donovanosis

Transmission: Unprotected sex.

Symptoms: Painful ulcers, genital swelling, sores or lumps, pain, bad smells.

Testing: Samples from genital ulcers, examined for presence of the bacteria.

Consequences: Destruction of genital tissues, irreversible damage.

Treatment: Antibiotics.

How common is it: Reported cases rose from 21 in 2018 to 30 in 2019, dipping to 18 in 2020 during the pandemic, Public Health England data shows.

A rare STI that can cause your skin to rot is on the rise.

Donovanosis is understood to be more common in countries like India and Brazil, but cases are starting to creep up in England.

Also known as granuloma inguinale and klebsiella granulomatis, it causes lesions around the groin and genitals.

These can turn into "beefy red" foul-smelling ulcers if they become infected.

"Untreated cases result in extensive tissue destruction and potential complications," Dr Malik said.

Condoms are the best form of prevention, she added.

Reported cases rose from 21 in 2018 to 30 in 2019, Public Health England data shows.

There was a dip to 18 in 2020 during the pandemic, but officials fear this is shooting back up again now.

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Brits are encouraged to get regular STI testsCredit: Getty 4. Shigella

Transmission: Oral, faecal, sexually.

Symptoms: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting.

Testing: Examination of stool samples.

Consequences: Dehydration, kidney failure, seizures.

Treatment: Antibiotics, drinking plenty of water.

How common is it: There were 97 reported cases in 2023, up from four the previous year, government figures reveal.

Shigella is a type of bacteria that causes severe stomach upset, known as gastroenteritis.

It is passed on orally, through faeces, and sometimes sexually, and causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and a fever.

In more serious cases, there may be blood or mucus in a sufferer's poo.

"Untreated, it may lead to dehydration, kidney failure, or seizures," Dr Malik said.

In 2023, the number of Shigella cases increased by 53 per cent from January to September, when 485 were recorded.

Much of this rise was driven by a cluster of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei, of which there were 97 cases, compared to just four the year before.

Cases were diagnosed in all regions of England, but were concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12).

"This is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic resistant strain, meaning treatment can be very difficult," Dr Gauri Godbole, consultant medical microbiologist at UKHSA, said.

The best way to prevent "highly-infectious" Shigella, she added, is to "practice good hygiene after sex".

"Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact," Dr Godbole said.

Shigella is often referred to as a "superbug" as it has become resistant to many antibiotics.

'New' STIs spreading in the UK

Chancroid

Chlamydia

Donovanosis

Gonorrhoea

Genital herpes

HIV

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Molluscum contagiosum

Mycoplasma genitalium

Non-specific genital infection

Pediculosis pubis

Pelvic inflammatory disease and epididymitis

Scabies

Shigella flexneri, sonnei, spp (unspecified)

Infectious syphilis

Trichomoniasis

Genital warts

The UKHSA's latest report does not break down the number of cases for every infection, but there were a total of 202,605 new STI diagnoses in men and 167,390 in women in 2022.

This is a 24 per cent rise on the previous year.

Source: UKHSA

5. Gardnerella vaginalis

Transmission: Not transmitted as such.

Symptoms: Discharge and odour.

Testing: Examining vaginal discharge samples under a microscope and conducting pH tests.

Consequences: Increased risk of PID, potential complications in pregnancy.

Treatment: Antibiotics.

How common is it: No figures.

Gardnerella vaginalis is one type of bacteria that lives inside your vagina.

Having too much of it can cause bacterial vaginosis (BV) - an infection that triggers unusual discharge.

"While not strictly an STI, its presence may increase the risk of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated," Dr Malik said.

Gardnerella isn't something you can catch, but people with more sexual partners are more at risk, it is understood.

To protect against any problems, practice good genital hygiene, use condoms, and seek medical attention for any unusual discharge.

Around 30 per cent of women will develop BV before they reach the menopause, but there is no official data for Gardnerella.

6. Ureaplasma

Transmission: Oral or vaginal sexual contact.

Symptoms: Painful urination, unusual foul-smelling discharge, genital discomfort, wetness, lower abdominal pain.

Testing: Genital swabs or urine samples, PCR or culture methods.

Consequences: Persistent or recurrent urethritis, PID, increased risk of preterm birth, kidney stones, BV, cervicitis.

Treatment: Antibiotics.

How common is it: Estimates suggest a large proportion of the sexually active population is infected with Ureaplasma without it causing any issues.

If you experience pain when you pee, you have bad-smelling discharge, or your genitals feel sore, you could have Ureaplasma.

The bacteria, which was first discovered in 1954, is present in the mouth and genitals of many healthy people, causing no symptoms and requiring no treatment.

However, it can also be passed on through unprotected sex and cause long-term problems.

These include urethritis, PID, pregnancy complications, kidney stones, BV and cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix.

"To prevent Ureaplasma transmission, individuals should practice safe sex, and those with symptoms or concerns should seek medical advice for appropriate testing," Dr Maliks said.

"Antibiotic treatment is prescribed based on a healthcare professional's assessment to ensure effective eradication of the bacteria."

When should I go to a sexual health clinic?

Go to a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you have any of the symptoms listed below.

In women:

Yellow or green discharge from your vagina, or discharge that smells

Bleeding during or after sex

Bleeding between periods

Pain during sex

Pain in your lower abdomen

In men:

Discharge from your penis

Pain in your testicles

In women and men:

Pain when passing urine

Itching, burning or tingling around your genitals

Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around your genitals or anus

Black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear (this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice)

Some GP practices, pharmacies, contraception clinics and young people's services may also provide testing for some STIs.

Not everyone with an STI has symptoms. You should get checked if:

You have had unprotected sex with a new partner

You or your sexual partner have had sex with someone else without using a condom

Your sexual partner has any symptoms

You're planning to get pregnant and may have been at risk of infection

Source: The NHS

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