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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffBacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include:
- Vaginal discharge that's thin and grayish white
- Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor, especially after sexual intercourse
- Vaginal itching or irritation
- Pain during intercourse
- Burning during urination
- Light vaginal bleeding
Often, you may have bacterial vaginosis and be asymptomatic — showing no signs and experiencing no symptoms.
When to see a doctor
You probably need to see your doctor if you have new vaginal symptoms and:
- You've never had a vaginal infection. Seeing your doctor will establish the cause and help you learn to identify the signs and symptoms.
- You've had vaginal infections before, but these symptoms seem different.
- You've had multiple sex partners or a recent new partner. You could have a sexually transmitted infection. The signs and symptoms of some sexually transmitted infections are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis.
- You've tried self-treatment for a yeast infection with an over-the-counter anti-yeast medication and your symptoms persist, you have a fever, or you have a particularly unpleasant vaginal odor.
References
- Bacterial vaginosis fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Nyirjesy P. Vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2008;22:637.
- ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. Vaginitis. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006;107:1195.
- Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/vaginal-discharge.htm. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Sobel JD. Bacterial vaginosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 21, 2010.
- Boyd E, et al. Vaginitis: Bacterial vaginosis. In: Hillard PA. The 5-Minute Obstetrics and Gynecology Consult. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:204.
- Boardman LA, et al. Benign vulvovaginal disorders. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:625.
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