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    Is BV Actually an STI? And What Your Body Might Be Trying to Tell You

    Katy Perry’s Space Odyssey: When Celebrity Activism Misses the Mark?

    Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal conditions—yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Is it an STI? A hygiene issue? A sign something deeper’s going on? The answer isn’t always clear, and the stigma definitely doesn’t help. At Dandy, we’re cutting through the confusion to explain what BV actually is, what causes it, and what your body might be trying to tell you when it shows up.

    By Dandy / Apr 23 2025
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    Let’s talk about something a bit, well, uncomfortable—but 100% necessary. Bacterial vaginosis (BV). You know, that super annoying, sometimes fishy-smelling, discharge-y situation that happens to a lot of us after we’ve gotten a bit close with someone? Yeah. That one.

     

    Until recently, BV wasn’t classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It was in a weird grey area—not an STI, but definitely something that could flare up after sex. The vibes were always off. But now, the news is out: the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially reclassified BV as an STI. Cue collective gasp from women everywhere.

     

    So what does that mean for us? And is it finally time to say out loud what we’ve all secretly thought after yet another uncomfortable post-sex bathroom break: maybe our bodies just know when someone’s not right for us?

    First of All, WTF Is BV?

    BV happens when there’s an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Basically, your good bacteria get overrun by bad ones (usually Gardnerella vaginalis, if you’re feeling nerdy). This imbalance can lead to all kinds of unpleasantness—think watery discharge, itching, burning, and the infamous fishy odour. Sexy? Not so much.

     

    What’s wild is how common it is. Around 1 in 3 women in the UK will get BV at some point. That’s more than thrush! And yet, we hardly talk about it. Probably because it feels a bit gross and shamey, especially since it often follows sex.
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    Title

    So… Is BV an STI Now?

    Yes—and no. Bear with us.

     

    According to WHO, BV has been reclassified as a sexually transmitted infection because of how strongly it's linked to sexual activity. It’s not caused by one particular bug, like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, but more a disruption in your vaginal ecosystem that seems to be sparked by exposure to new sexual partners or changes in sexual activity. Sound familiar?

     

    So while you can’t technically “catch” BV like a classic STI, sex is often the thing that throws your vaginal flora out of whack. And now science is finally backing what many of us have felt for years: this post-shag drama isn’t in our heads.

    The Emotional Reality: "If My Vagina Doesn't Like You, Neither Do I"

    Let’s be real. How many of us have felt that gut (or...cervix?) instinct that our body was trying to tell us something?

     

    You meet someone new, it’s all butterflies and banter, but then—bam!—you’re in the pharmacy googling “Canesten vs Balance Activ” because things went south, down south. It’s not exactly a meet-cute.

     

    Some of us have quietly held this theory: if you keep getting BV, thrush, or cystitis after sleeping with someone, maybe it’s because your body is waving a big red flag. Like, “This guy’s not the one, babe.” Your vaginal microbiome has entered the chat—and she’s not impressed.

    Why Do We Get These Infections Post-Sex?

    Sex can change the pH of the vagina. Semen is alkaline, and the vagina is naturally acidic. That clash can make things uncomfy. Add in lube ingredients, latex condoms, new bacteria from your partner’s skin or fingers or toys—and suddenly your flora is like, “Excuse me???”

     

    Some women’s bodies are more sensitive than others. Hormonal shifts (thanks, birth control), stress, or even diet can make you more prone to flare-ups. And while it can happen with partners you adore and feel totally in sync with, it’s funny how often it happens with those you’ve got iffy vibes about.

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    So What Can You Do?

    Talk to your GP – BV is super treatable, usually with antibiotics or even over-the-counter treatments like lactic acid gels.

     

    Support your microbiome – Look into probiotics designed for vaginal health (yes, they exist!).

     

    Pee after sex – Always. You know this one.

     

    Avoid douching – It messes with your balance. Just don’t.

     

    Get to know your body – Track your symptoms. Tune in. Take notes. Your vagina deserves data.

    The Bigger Picture: Let’s Stop Shaming the Vagina

    At Dandy, we’re here for the clean, conscious convo—and that means ditching the shame around vaginal health. The fact that BV is finally being taken seriously as a sexually transmitted infection is a win. It validates what many women have known intuitively: our bodies respond to energy, to people, to chemistry—and sometimes, they scream what we won’t say.

     

    You’re not broken, you’re not dirty, and you’re definitely not alone. If your post-sex routine includes cranberry juice and a lukewarm internal crisis, join the club. The real plot twist? It’s not always about hygiene. Sometimes it’s about compatibility.

     

    So maybe next time you find yourself dealing with yet another bout of BV, instead of blaming yourself, ask: what is my body trying to tell me? Because chances are, she’s got your back—and your front.

     

    TL;DR

    BV is now classified as an STI by the WHO

     

    It’s caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, often triggered by sex

     

    Symptoms include odour, discharge, itching—basically, a whole vibe kill

     

    You're not alone—lots of women deal with it, especially after new partners

     

    Your body might be telling you more than you think

     

    At Dandy, we say: no shame, just science—and a little intuition

     

    Stay conscious, stay clean (but not too clean), and trust your gut—she’s got taste.

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    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

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