Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginitis (i.e. inflammation of the vagina). The characteristic bacterial vaginosis symptoms are white grayish vaginal discharge with fishy smell. Sometimes there are also vaginal itching and pain during urination. The vaginal discharge and malodor tend to worsen after a sexual intercourse or during the period.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge or other symptoms indicative of a vaginal infection (e.g. vaginal irritation or pain), then it is very important to get a diagnosis to determine which form of vaginitis that is affecting you.
To confirm a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis infection, you may be subjected to a series of physical examinations. Laboratory tests may also be performed.
Your gynecologist will first ask you some questions, for example:
- Have you previously experienced symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
- How does your discharge look like?
- Are you experiencing vaginal irritation?
- Did you have a new sexual partner lately?
- Have you had any sexually transmitted infection?
Next, a pelvic examination will be performed. Your gynecologist will observe the appearance of your vaginal lining and cervix, as well as examine the uterus and ovaries. Your gynecologist may also gather tissue samples from those areas to be examined under a microscope. This step is to make sure that it is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Your vaginal discharge may also be sampled to be checked for any abnormality. Again, this is to make sure it is not STD or an yeast infection. Bacterial vaginosis is indicated by the presence of an unusual cell (known as ‘clue cell’) observed under the microscope.
If you have bacterial vaginosis, the microscopic examination will further reveal an abnormally low number of lactobacilli bacteria in the vaginal discharge. The vaginal pH will also be tested. Bacterial vaginosis is present if the vaginal pH is higher than 4.5.
To test for foul vaginal odor, a test called ‘whiff test’ is performed by mixing a drop of potassium hydroxide testing liquid with a drop of vaginal discharge on a microscope slide. A fishy odor indicates the presence of bacterial vaginosis.
If a woman has bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy, she will be at greater risk for serious complications. Pregnant women who have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis should be tested so that they can be treated early to prevent complications, such as preterm delivery, miscarriage and post-partum infection.
Besides conventional antibiotic and over-the-counter treatments, many women are also using natural bacterial vaginosis cures to treat this vaginal disorder. Bacterial Vaginosis Freedom is one of the comprehensive natural BV cure guides available.
Serena is a freelance health writer, who has written for major pharmaceutical and international medical communications companies.
