Why BV Can Make Intercourse Uncomfortable and What to Do About It

Let’s be real — no one wants to talk about bacterial vaginosis (BV) at brunch, but if you’ve ever experienced discomfort during intimacy and wondered what’s going on “down there,” you’re definitely not alone. The first time I felt that weird stinging sensation during sex, I panicked. I thought maybe I wasn’t lubricated enough or I was reacting to something — turned out, it was BV. That unexpected discomfort became my wake-up call to dive deeper into what bacterial vaginosis really does to our bodies, especially when it comes to sex.

Can BV Really Cause Discomfort During Sex?

The short answer? Yes, it absolutely can. While BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), its effects can definitely show up during sexual activity — and not in a fun way. One of the most common symptoms people report with BV is a sort of burning, irritated feeling during or after sex. For me, it felt like everything was just inflamed, sensitive, and out of whack.

It’s not just anecdotal either. According to clinical studies, BV disrupts the normal vaginal flora — that delicate balance of good vs. not-so-good bacteria. When that balance tips the wrong way, it changes your vaginal pH, which makes the tissue more reactive and less protected during intercourse. Basically, everything feels off — and it is.

Why Does It Happen?

The discomfort comes down to three main culprits:

1. pH imbalance: When your vaginal environment becomes less acidic, harmful bacteria thrive — leading to inflammation and sensitivity.
2. Thinner vaginal lining: Chronic BV can wear down the protective lining, making the area more prone to friction-related discomfort.
3. Unusual discharge and odor: That classic fishy smell isn’t just unpleasant — it can also be an indicator of irritation that worsens with sexual contact.

These symptoms may creep in subtly at first. I ignored mine for weeks, chalking it up to stress or hormonal shifts. But when it didn’t go away and started affecting my relationship, I knew I had to investigate further. A visit to my OB-GYN and a simple swab confirmed it: BV.

Is Discomfort the Only Sign?

Not even close. BV is sneaky — it often presents without pain. In fact, many people don’t realize they have it until a symptom like sex-related discomfort shows up. You might also experience:

• Watery or greyish discharge
• A strong, fish-like odor (especially after sex)
• Vaginal itching or mild burning
• General irritation or sensitivity

What’s wild is that you can have BV and feel absolutely nothing. That’s part of what makes it so frustrating. For me, the odor was the giveaway — a smell I couldn’t ignore, no matter how many showers I took.

Does Everyone with BV Experience Pain During Sex?

Nope. Some people don’t feel any discomfort at all. Others — like myself — might only notice it during deep penetration or immediately afterward. It really depends on the severity of the infection and how your body reacts. I’ve talked to friends who had no clue their BV was connected to their bedroom discomfort until they stumbled across an article online (which is likely how you got here, too).

Every vagina is different. Some are more sensitive than others. If BV disrupts your protective flora and causes inflammation, that’s when sex can feel like sandpaper instead of silk.

How to Know If BV Is the Real Problem

If you’re dealing with painful or uncomfortable sex and suspect BV, the first step is don’t try to guess. I made that mistake once and ended up treating myself for a yeast infection, which only made things worse.

Instead, a proper diagnosis involves:

• A quick vaginal swab
• Microscope evaluation of discharge
• pH testing

Clinics can do this in under 15 minutes. Some over-the-counter test kits also help if you can’t get to a doctor right away — but a professional evaluation is still the gold standard. Learn more about accurate home tests in this detailed breakdown.

So, What Can You Do About It?

The good news is BV is treatable, and once it’s gone, that sex-related discomfort usually goes with it. From personal experience, prescription antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin work wonders. The sooner you treat it, the less damage it can do to your vaginal ecosystem.

Some quick tips that helped me:

• Skip scented soaps and douches — they can make things worse
• Practice safe sex — condoms help keep the pH stable
• Use probiotics — not just orally, but vaginally too. Check out how probiotics helped me maintain balance.

Also, don’t miss our full guide on all BV treatment options if you’re weighing what path works best for you.

For a deeper dive into BV symptoms and signs, visit our comprehensive breakdown. Want to understand the full scope of BV and how it affects your health overall? You’ll definitely want to read our main BV guide here.

What Happens If You Ignore BV Discomfort During Intercourse?

So, let’s say you’ve been feeling that uncomfortable burn or irritation during sex — but life’s hectic, and you keep putting off getting it checked. Totally been there. I ignored my symptoms for a few months, assuming they’d pass. But here’s the deal: ignoring BV isn’t harmless.

If left untreated, BV can cause more than just awkward sex. It can increase your risk for:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A serious infection that can affect fertility
• Higher susceptibility to STIs: Including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
• Complications in pregnancy: Like preterm labor and low birth weight — more on that here
• Chronic recurrence: Yup, BV can become a constant uninvited guest

If that sounds like a lot, it is. And trust me, I learned the hard way. Once BV settles in, it tends to come back if you don’t fully address it, which means more discomfort during sex and more anxiety around intimacy.

How Long Until the Discomfort Goes Away After Treatment?

This varies from person to person, but many feel relief just a few days after starting treatment. I was surprised how quickly things improved once I got on antibiotics. The discomfort during intercourse faded by day four. Of course, every body is different, so some people may take up to a week or two to fully recover.

During treatment, it’s smart to avoid sexual activity. Give your body time to heal without introducing more irritation or bacteria. I know, easier said than done — but your future self (and your partner) will thank you.

Once symptoms subside, keep the good habits going. For me, that meant cutting out fragranced products, switching to breathable cotton underwear, and learning the truth about those “feminine hygiene” myths.

Talking to Your Partner About It

This part is awkward, I won’t lie. But it’s important. When BV was interfering with my sex life, I was nervous to say anything. I didn’t want my partner to think I was “gross” or unclean. But here’s the truth: BV isn’t an STI, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.

What helped me was keeping it factual but honest:

• “Hey, I’ve been feeling some irritation during sex — turns out it’s something called BV.”
• “It’s super common and has nothing to do with hygiene or cheating. Just an imbalance.”
• “I’m treating it now, but I’d prefer we wait a few days to let my body heal.”

A supportive partner will get it — and if they don’t, that’s a red flag, not a reflection on you. Educating your partner not only makes the situation less awkward, but also helps prevent reinfection. In some cases, partners may need treatment too.

How to Prevent Future BV-Related Discomfort

Once you’ve experienced BV once, you’ll likely want to avoid ever going through that again — especially if it interfered with intimacy. These are the habits that helped me stop the cycle:

1. Probiotic support: Daily probiotics — both oral and vaginal — were a game changer. They help keep the good bacteria dominant.
2. Limit sugar intake: Too much sugar can fuel the overgrowth of bad bacteria. Learn more in this BV diet article.
3. Post-sex hygiene: I always pee and gently rinse afterward — nothing extreme, just warm water.
4. Skip the fancy soaps: Scented body washes and intimate products? Tossed them. Simple is best.
5. Track your cycle: I noticed BV flare-ups post-period — which is actually a common trigger. Staying aware helped me adjust proactively.

If you’re struggling with recurring BV, it’s worth digging deeper into root causes and speaking with a specialist. Chronic cases need more than just a quick fix — and trust me, it’s worth the effort.

Building Confidence Again in the Bedroom

I’ll be honest — BV shook my confidence for a while. Feeling pain or discomfort during such an intimate act made me hesitant and disconnected. But healing is absolutely possible, and it starts with understanding your body and showing it some compassion.

With time, support, and a few lifestyle changes, things turned around. Sex became enjoyable again, my body felt in balance, and I no longer stressed before every intimate moment. I learned that your vaginal health is part of your whole health — and it deserves attention, not embarrassment.

If you want to better understand what causes BV in the first place and how to stay ahead of it, don’t miss our full guide. And if you’re just beginning your journey to learn about BV, our main pillar article is the perfect place to start.

Gwenna Aazee

Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.