Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BV is also common during pregnancy. While bacterial vaginosis is not actually an STD, it can be spread through sexual intercourse. It is important for all women to have a good understanding of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
Common Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Certain BV symptoms are very easy to identify. If one or more of these symptoms is present, there is a good chance that it is bacterial vaginosis. That being said, there are certain STDs which have similar symptoms.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge is one of the most common symptoms of this vaginal infection. Generally, discharge will be either gray or white in color. Some women may experience only a minimal amount of thin vaginal discharge, while others may experience it very thick and heavy.
- A foul odor is one of the most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Odor tends to be the most noticeable after sexual intercourse. Many women find that the foul odor caused by BV has a very strong fish scent.
- Burning during urination is common for women who have bacterial vaginosis. Women with this vaginal infection also commonly experience on the outside of the vagina. These are the two bacterial vaginosis symptoms which are very easy to confuse with a yeast infection.
Are There Always Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
While all of the BV symptoms mentioned above are fairly common among women who have this vaginal infection, it is important to keep in mind that there are not always signs. Many women who experience bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptoms. They never even suspect that they have any type of vaginal infection.
Diagnosing and Treating Bacterial Vaginosis
When a woman experience bacterial vaginosis symptoms, it is important to visit a gynecologist for an examination. In order for BV to be diagnosed, the gynecologist must take a sample of vaginal fluid that will go through laboratory testing. The gynecologist will also visually examine the vagina for signs of bacterial vaginosis.
Once bacterial vaginosis has been diagnosed, it is important to treat it. This is especially true for women who have BV during pregnancy, as it can increase the risk of pre-term delivery and low birth weights. Bacterial vaginosis can also increase the risk of STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HPV. The vaginal infection is commonly treated through antibiotics. It is important to keep in mind that BV commonly reoccurs after it has been treated.
Most women will experience this vaginal infection at some point during their lifetime, even if bacterial vaginosis symptoms are not present. Being aware of symptoms which could indicate BV can help ensure a successful diagnosis.
Source:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Bacterial Vaginosis" (accessed April 29, 2010).
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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