Seating in a bubble bathtub for a woman may seem romantic and relaxing, a moment of calm after a long day, surrounded by warm water and fragrant foam.
But that soothing foam bath can sometimes disrupt the vagina’s natural balance, creating conditions that may lead to bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal conditions affecting women, yet it remains widely misunderstood.
Dr Muzaffar Hossain, a general medical practitioner in Gaborone, warns that everyday habits, hygiene practices and underlying health conditions could quietly disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria, opening the door to infection. In a recent interview, Dr Hussain explained that BV was not caused by a single germ, but rather by an imbalance involving multiple organisms.
“Most of the time it is never enough to say it is just bacteria. It is usually a combination of different bacteria, sometimes candida yeast and occasionally other organisms. That is why we call it a syndromic condition,” Dr Hussain said.
He said products such as scented soaps, bubble baths and vaginal douches could upset the delicate environment, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply while protective bacteria decline. For many women, BV develops quietly, he said, adding that some experienced no symptoms at all, while others noticed a thin grey or white discharge, a strong fish-like odour, often more noticeable after sex, and itching or a burning sensation during urination.
He was quick to say because the signs may be mild and could be confused with other conditions, hence many women delay seeking medical care, and BV frequently went undiagnosed.
“People tend to associate vaginal infections with pain or intense discomfort but BV does not always present that way, so women may ignore it or self-treat without realising what is going on,” said Dr Husssain.
He clarified that BV was not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, but sexual activity could influence its occurrence and recurrence.
“BV is acquired, not sexually transmitted in the strict sense. However, intimate contact can facilitate transfer, especially when one partner has recurrent infections.”
Still, BV can affect women who are not sexually active, reinforcing that hygiene habits and product use also play a significant role. He said that explained why some women experienced repeated episodes even after treatment.
According to Dr Hussain, BV symptoms could range from mild to disruptive. Some women report itching, abnormal discharge, burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, or reduced libido, while others experience no discomfort at all.
“In many cases, the only complaint is a strong, unpleasant odour. There may be no itching, no pain, just the smell. The discharge may appear thin and watery or thick and milky, often accompanied by a foul or fishy odour.”
Dr Hussain warned that certain lifestyle and hygiene practices could increase the risk of BV. Frequent bubble baths, inadequate genital drying, and tight or minimal underwear, particularly G-strings, can promote bacterial movement from the anal area to the front.
“The distance is very short in women,” he explained, adding “G-strings allow bacteria to travel from back to front, increasing the risk of infection.”
He advised washing the genital area with warm water, drying thoroughly, and avoiding underwear styles that encouraged bacterial transfer. Women with poorly controlled diabetes, weakened immunity, advanced age, or chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable. Because BV rarely involves a single organism, treatment often includes a combination of antibiotics, antifungal medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
“You cannot always identify just one cause. That is why treatment is usually combined, to address all possibilities and relieve symptoms.”
Dr Hussain emphasised the need for accurate public education and urged women to seek medical advice early rather than self-treat or ignore symptoms.
“This is not about blame or shame. It is about understanding the body, maintaining hygiene, and getting proper treatment before the condition becomes recurrent or chronic.”
Bacterial Vaginosis may not always announce itself loudly, but its impact can be profound. He said by understanding how everyday habits, from bubble baths to sexual practices, affected vaginal health, women could make informed choices and protect their well-being.
“Open conversations and accurate information remain essential in bringing this common condition out of the shadows,’ Dr Husain said.
Ms Semang Mang, (not real names) said she suffered from bacterial vaginosis (BV) without knowing what it was.
“I initially felt that something was off, subtle discomfort that gradually turned into persistent symptoms I could no longer ignore. eventually, it began to affect my confidence, my workdays and even my sleep,” Ms Mang.
“I felt embarrassed. It was taking over my daily life,” Ms Mang admitted.
She explained that she felt ashamed to seek medical care, worried that the foul smell would imply promiscuity or some serious illness. Because of this fear, she first turned to traditional herbs for help. “I had never encountered anyone with such an awful smell, so I did not want to talk about it,” she said.
“I carried a water bottle to wash my private parts whenever I used the bathroom, but after some time, the smell would return.”
She admitted that she later resorted to using perfume on her body to mask the odour. However, the relief was only temporary.
“After some time, I could smell myself again and I knew it had come back,” she said. Eventually, I gathered the courage to visit a private gynaecologist. Within a week, I was clear, no smell and my confidence was back,” she recalled.
Ms Mang called on both men and women to learn more about vaginal health, as understanding that vaginal health was about balance, not sterility, could help women make informed choices. She also reiterated the importance of avoiding unnecessary douching, practicing safer sex and seeking medical advice as soon as symptoms appear.
“In the end, bacterial vaginosis is not just a medical condition. It is a reminder that everyday health issues can carry significant consequences when ignored. Bringing BV into the spotlight may be one of the simplest ways to improve women’s health outcomes, one conversation at a time.”
