Journal article

The burden of bacterial vaginosis: Women's experience of the physical, emotional, sexual and social impact of living with recurrent bacterial vaginosis

JE Bilardi, S Walker, M Temple-Smith, R McNair, J Mooney-Somers, C Bellhouse, CK Fairley, MY Chen, C Bradshaw

Plos One | Published : 2013

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection, causing an abnormal vaginal discharge and/or odour in up to 50% of sufferers. Recurrence is common following recommended treatment. There are limited data on women's experience of bacterial vaginosis, and the impact on their self-esteem, sexual relationships and quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and impact of recurrent bacterial vaginosis on women. Methods: A social constructionist approach was chosen as the framework for the study. Thirty five women with male and/or female partners participated in semi-structured interviews face-to-face or by telephone about their experience of recurrent bacte..

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Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council


Funding Acknowledgements

In the conduct of this study a small grant was utilised from the Australian Lesbian Medical Association (www.almas.org.au) and ACON (www.acon.org.au). Dr Jade Bilardi is in receipt of a National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC) Early Career Fellowship GNT1013135. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.