Can You Go to Sexual Health Clinic for BV? Everything You Need to Know
Dealing with uncomfortable symptoms down there can be scary and make you feel alone. Many women wonder where to go when they think they might have bacterial vaginosis (BV). The good news is that sexual health clinics are great places to get help for BV. These clinics have doctors who know all about women’s health problems and can help you feel better fast. In this post, we’ll talk about what BV is, how sexual health clinics can help, and what to expect when you visit one.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis happens when the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina gets messed up. It’s actually the most common vaginal problem for women between 15 and 44 years old.
Symptoms of BV
BV doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, you might notice:
- A white or gray watery discharge
- A strong fishy smell, especially after sex
- Itching or burning around your vagina
- Some burning when you pee
Causes and Risk Factors
Your vagina naturally has lots of different types of bacteria. Some are good, and some are bad. BV happens when there are too many bad bacteria. Things that can make this happen include:
- Douching (washing inside your vagina)
- Having new sex partners or multiple partners
- Using scented products in your genital area
- Not using condoms during sex
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but being sexually active can increase your chances of getting it.
Can You Go to a Sexual Health Clinic for BV?
Yes, Sexual Health Clinics Treat BV!
The simple answer is yes! Sexual health clinics are perfect places to get help for BV. These clinics focus on all kinds of reproductive health issues, not just STIs. The doctors and nurses at these clinics see BV cases all the time and know exactly how to help you.
Benefits of Going to a Sexual Health Clinic
Sexual health clinics have many good points when it comes to treating BV:
- The staff won’t judge you and will make you feel comfortable
- They can test for BV and other problems at the same time
- Most clinics offer free or low-cost care
- They can give you medicine right away in many cases
- Your information stays private
When to Choose a Sexual Health Clinic vs. Your Regular Doctor
Sometimes it’s hard to decide whether to see your regular doctor or go to a sexual health clinic. Here’s a quick look at when each might be better:
| Situation | Sexual Health Clinic | Regular Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Need same-day appointment | ✓ (Many take walk-ins) | Maybe (Often booked) |
| Concerned about cost | ✓ (Often free or sliding scale) | Depends on insurance |
| Want specialized knowledge | ✓ (Focus on reproductive health) | Varies |
| Prefer complete privacy | ✓ (Services often confidential) | Uses regular medical record |
| Need other health issues checked | Limited | ✓ |
| Comfortable discussing with provider | Either option | Either option |
| Need testing for STIs too | ✓ (Specializes in this) | Can do basic testing |
| Under 18 without parent knowledge | ✓ (Many see minors confidentially) | May require parent involvement |
What to Expect When Visiting a Sexual Health Clinic for BV
Before Your Visit
Before going to the clinic, it helps to:
- Write down when your symptoms started
- Note any medicines you’re taking
- Don’t douche or use vaginal products for 24 hours before
- Bring ID and insurance card if you have one
- Bring a pad (you might need one after your exam)
During Your Appointment
When you get to the clinic, you’ll:
- Fill out some paperwork about your health
- Probably give a urine sample
- Talk to a nurse or doctor about your symptoms
- Have an exam where the doctor looks at your vagina
- The doctor will take a sample of discharge to test for BV
The test for BV is quick and might include:
- Looking at your discharge under a microscope
- Checking the pH (acid level) of your vagina
- Doing a “whiff test” to check for the fishy smell that often happens with BV
Treatment Options for BV
If you have BV, the doctor will give you medicine to clear it up. The most common treatments are:
- Metronidazole pills you swallow
- Metronidazole gel you put in your vagina
- Clindamycin cream you put in your vagina
You’ll need to take all your medicine, even if you start feeling better before it’s gone. Some people get BV more than once, so the doctor might talk to you about ways to keep it from coming back.
Home Care During and After BV Treatment
While taking medicine for BV, these tips can help you feel better and keep BV from coming back:
- Wear cotton underwear
- Don’t douche or use scented products in your genital area
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
- Use condoms during sex
- Finish all your medicine even if symptoms go away
- Avoid alcohol if taking metronidazole pills (it can make you very sick)
- Consider taking probiotics (ask your doctor first)
FAQs About BV and Sexual Health Clinics
Is BV an STI?
No, BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. However, being sexually active and having new or multiple partners can increase your risk of getting BV.
Will my partner need treatment too?
If your partner is female, she might need to be checked for BV. If your partner is male, he doesn’t need treatment since men don’t get BV.
Can I have sex with BV?
It’s best to wait until you finish treatment before having sex. Sex can make symptoms worse and might make your treatment less effective.
How much does it cost to get treated for BV at a sexual health clinic?
Many sexual health clinics offer free or low-cost services based on what you can pay. Call ahead to ask about costs or check their website.
Does BV go away on its own?
Sometimes BV might go away without treatment, but it’s best to get checked by a doctor. Untreated BV can sometimes lead to other health problems.
How long does it take for BV to clear up with treatment?
Most people start feeling better after 2-3 days of treatment, but you should take all your medicine as directed, usually for 5-7 days.
Can I get tested for BV if I don’t have symptoms?
Yes, sexual health clinics can test for BV even if you don’t have symptoms. This might be a good idea if you’ve had BV before and are worried it might be back.
Will my regular doctor know I went to a sexual health clinic?
Sexual health clinics keep your information private. They won’t share your visit details with your regular doctor unless you ask them to.
How can I find a sexual health clinic near me?
You can search online for “sexual health clinic” or “family planning clinic” plus your city name. Many clinics have websites with hours, locations, and services.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
This depends on the clinic. Many take walk-ins, but you might have to wait longer. Calling ahead for an appointment is usually a good idea.
If you think you might have BV, don’t worry or feel embarrassed. Sexual health clinics help people with these kinds of problems every day, and they can help you too. The sooner you get checked, the sooner you can start feeling better.
