The symptoms can be easily mistaken for ayeast infectionand are often inappropriately treated as such.
With that being said, the existing tests don’t actually test for BV.
Instead, they look for changes in vaginal acidity and byproducts of a BV infection.
Illustration by Verywell
If there is a bacterial infection, the edges of these cells will be peppered with bacteria.
Their fuzzy appearance would provide the “clues” needed to help make the diagnosis.
Gram staining is a common technique used to differentiate between groups of bacteria.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The Amsel criteriatake into account the physical findings alongside the result of the diagnostic tests.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis (BV).
2012;51(4):400-5. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.01.017
World Health Organization.Bacterial vaginosis.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Hainer, B. and Gibson, M.Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment.Am Fam Physician.
