Bacterial Vaginosis Symptom: An Overview
The main
bacterial vaginosis symptom is an abnormal, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Some women describe it as a fish-like odor that is most noticeable after having sex. Nearly half of the women with bacterial vaginosis, however, have no bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
A healthcare provider may see the signs of bacterial vaginosis while giving a physical examination. A diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is confirmed by having lab tests performed on samples of vaginal fluid.
What Is Another Bacterial Vaginosis Symptom?
Other bacterial vaginosis symptoms may include:
- Thin vaginal discharge, usually white or gray in color
- Pain during urination
- Itching around the vagina.
Complications Associated With a Bacterial Vaginosis Symptom
In most cases,
bacterial vaginosis causes no complications. There have been documented risks of bacterial vaginosis, however, such as a link between
bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious disease in women that can cause infertility and tubal (ectopic) pregnancies.
Bacterial vaginosis can also cause other problems, such as premature delivery and low birth-weight babies. Therefore, some health experts recommend that all pregnant women (whether or not they have symptoms) who previously have delivered a premature baby be checked for bacterial vaginosis. A pregnant woman who has not delivered a premature baby should be treated if she has symptoms and laboratory evidence of bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is also associated with increased chances of getting
gonorrhea or
HIV infection. (HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, causes
AIDS.)
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