Your symptoms could mean you need a different treatment to what you thought.

While many women are familiar with the dreaded itch “down there”, vaginal thrush isn’t the only infection to affect our intimate area – and knowing the difference is imperative.

Another common culprit is bacterial vaginosis, or ‘BV’: a condition caused by an imbalance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria that naturally occur within the vagina in women of childbearing age.

Women can often mistake BV for thrush, but these are two distinct infections that should be treated differently. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the symptoms and how do I tell them apart?

Although both vaginal thrush and BV can cause unusual discharge, it differs in appearance depending on which condition you have. Thrush can produce an odourless, thick, white discharge, while BV will typically cause a thin, greyish-white discharge.

But the key distinction is that women with BV may experience a strong, “fishy” odour, while thrush is typically odourless. BV’s unpleasant odour is its most common symptom and usually sets it apart from other vaginal infections, such as thrush.

It’s important women understand the differences so they can be treated properly.

How can I treat bacterial vaginosis?

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Fleurstat BVgel is the only over-the-counter product available for the treatment and rapid relief of BV symptoms. This non-antibiotic, vaginal gel is clinically proven to help relieve symptoms such as discharge and odour, starting to work within 24 hours. It comes with an easy-to-use vaginal applicator and is available without a prescription from the pharmacy.

Catherine Burns, the Marketing Manager at Aspen New Zealand, says Fleurstat is a non-antibiotic treatment that many women may prefer, as it is available from pharmacies without a prescription so it may be a convenient option.

The product is designed to disrupt the attachment of BV causing bacteria to the vaginal wall, allowing the good bacteria to replenish and normalise the vagina’s pH. One full applicator is applied into the vagina daily, preferably at bedtime, for seven days. It’s important to complete the seven-day treatment course.

Burns says that as a doctor’s prescription isn’t required, Fleurstat may be a more accessible option for women. “Women experiencing embarrassing BV symptoms such as unpleasant odour or discharge can simply go to their local pharmacy, and ask if Fleurstat is right for them,” she says.

“Fleurstat provides rapid relief of BV symptoms, starting to work within 24 hours. It’s an easy to use, clinically proven, treatment.”

Fleurstat retails from about $45.

Recurrent BV

Fleurstat BV gel can be used (when you don’t have symptoms) to help prevent recurrent BV and it’s symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. However, please see your doctor if you have recurrent BV.

Changing certain hygiene habits can also help prevent BV. Using soapy water, perfumed products or other products to clean inside the vagina may increase the risk of getting BV so experts recommend washing the area with warm water only. And while BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), certain sexual activities such as having multiple partners or engaging in unprotected sex, may increase the risk of BV.

When should I see my doctor?

If you are unsure whether you have BV, suspect you have recurrent BV, another vaginal infection or if you think you may be at risk of an STI, always consult your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your BV symptoms persist after seven days or recur within two weeks of finishing treatment.

For more information visit fleurstat.co.nz

Fleurstat (Astodrimer Sodium 1% w/w) is a vaginal gel used for the treatment and relief of bacterial vaginosis and prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis and its symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. Always read the instructions and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. See your doctor for prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Distributed by Aspen New Zealand C/O Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2025 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. VivaGel® is a registered trademark of Starpharma Pty Ltd, 4-6 Southampton Crescent, Abbotsford, VIC 3067 Australia. TAPS BG5017 MAY 2025