Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that develops when the bacteria in your vagina become unbalanced. It is the leading cause of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina. This is a very common infection that affects over 3 million women in the United States each year, making up 60% of all patients who are seen at sexually transmitted disease clinics.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
About half of women who are affected by bacterial vaginosis do not show any signs or symptoms. If you do experience symptoms from bacterial vaginosis, they might include:
- Burning during urination
- Vaginal itching
- Thin vaginal discharge that is gray or white in color
- A foul-smelling vaginal odor that is worse after sexual intercourse
Sometimes the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be confused for other conditions, such as a yeast infection, which can be treated with over-the-counter medication. If you are unsure whether or not you should make an appointment with your doctor, follow these guidelines:
- If you have never had a vaginal infection before, you should see your doctor to determine the cause and to help you identify which signs and symptoms to watch for in the future.
- If you have tried self-treatment for a yeast infection with over-the-counter medications and you are still experiencing symptoms, or if your symptoms have gotten worse, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
- If you have had vaginal infections before but are experiencing different symptoms, make an appointment.
- If you have had multiple sexual partners, or if you recently have a new sexual partner, you should contact your doctor. You could have a sexually transmitted infection since the signs and symptoms of STIs are very similar to bacterial vaginosis.
Untreated bacterial vaginosis can lead to complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases, and an increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight in women who are pregnant.
Avoid scheduling your doctor’s appointment during your period so your doctor will be able to observe and evaluate your vaginal discharge effectively. Avoid using tampons or vaginal deodorant sprays before your appointment. Also, don’t douche or have sex for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis
During your appointment, your doctor will probably start by asking you about your medical history and about your experience with any previous vaginal or sexually transmitted infections. Next, he or she will perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of your vaginal secretions to examine under a microscope and check for bacterial imbalance.
A pelvic exam involves a visual examination of your vagina to look for signs of irritation and inflammation, as well as an internal examination of your pelvic organs by inserting two fingers into your vagina while simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen.
Your doctor may also check the acidity of your vagina by placing a pH test strip inside of your vagina. If your vaginal environment has a pH level of 4.5 or higher, this is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
