The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a fishy foul-smelling discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis does not cause bumps, rashes, or lesions (sores).
This article reviews symptoms, similar conditions, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bacterial vaginosis.
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Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Some women dont realize they have bacterial vaginosis because they do not have symptoms.
For others,symptomsmay be intermittent (come and go).
Vaginitisis an inflammation of the vagina that causes vaginal discharge or irritation.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common throw in of vaginitis.
This is similar to apelvic examandPap smear(exams you get during routine gynecological wellness checks).
They do this by testing the vaginal sample or taking abloodorurine sample.
Getting STIs is easier with BV, and both infections can be present simultaneously.
Recurring Infections
About 50% of women get another infection within 12 months.
They may also prescribe a maintenance dose of vaginal cream to prevent it from returning.
You must finish the medication anytime you are prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms go away.
Stopping medication early can cause the infection to return or cause you to build upresistanceto that antibiotic.
Though it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is linked to sexual activity.
BV does not cause bumps, sores, or rashes.
Multiple vaginal infections can cause vaginal irritation.
BV is characterized by increased and foul-smelling or fishy vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge is usually thin (and sometimes foamy), gray, greenish, yellow, or white.
BV is typically treated with oral or vaginal antibiotics.
Healthcare providers may also include probiotics or boric acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bacterial vaginosis does not cause bumps, rashes, or sores.
If you have symptoms, its best to see a healthcare provider to get antibiotics.
Treatment is usually five to seven days, and it typically gets rid of the infection.
It is often the strongest after vaginal sexual intercourse or menstruation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Planned Parenthood.What is bacterial vaginosis?
Ibrahim AN.Comparison of in vitro activity of metronidazole and garlic-based product (tomex) onTrichomonas vaginalis.Parasitol Res.
2019;16(20):3859. doi:10.3390/ijerph16203859
