Symptoms
Abnormal vaginal discharge
This is first of the apparent symptoms in bacterial vaginosis patients. Vaginal discharge happens in copious amounts and the consistency is thinner and more fluidic in comparison to normal vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge also increases post-sexual intercourse in females afflicted by bacterial vaginosis. The color of the discharge varies between white and gray. In one out of three women with bacterial vaginosis, the color of the discharge has a yellow tinge if left untreated for long. Abnormal vaginal discharge is commonly observed in vaginal yeast infections. But the texture, color and fluidity is distinctively different in the two conditions, with a heavier discharge commonly associated with vaginal yeast infections.
Abnormal vaginal odor
Vaginal odor during bacterial vaginosis ranges between foul, pungent and fishy. The fishy smell is contributed by the increased pH (pH > 4.5) (decreased acidity) of vaginal discharge caused by increased amine content (normal vaginal pH < 4.5). Along with the amount of discharge, the fishy odor gets more intensified in the post-sexual intercourse period. Vaginal odor during bacterial vaginosis can be very repulsive and has been reported to cause lifestyle changes in affected women. Commonly observed traits are signs of depression and embarrassment and resultant abstinences from public appearances. The odor is clinically determined by the help of “WHIFF TEST”. Potassium hydroxide is mixed with vaginal discharge from suspected bacterial vaginosis patients. If the reaction generates a resultant ‘fishy’ odor then it is indicative of bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis does not create havoc in the overall health of a female. Nonetheless, untreated condition can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and elevate the risk of post-operative infection after pelvic or vaginal surgery.
Treatments for bacterial vaginosis can be either prescribed by the physician, or in most cases can be treated at home itself, you can read more about the different treatments for bacterial vaginosis here.
Clue cells
These are vaginal cells coated with bacteria and serve as the most definitive diagnostic yardstick for bacterial vaginosis. Clue cells can be observed in the vaginal discharge when observed under the microscope and serves as an additional demarcation point because it is completely absent in vaginal yeast infections and STDs. Additionally, microscopic observation will also lead to a finding of decreased amount of the normal flora, Lactobacillus, in the vaginal discharge.
Rare Symptoms
Vaginal itching, redness and swelling: Minimal symptoms of swelling in the outside and inside of vaginal walls and accompanying redness are observed in some patients. Pruritus or itching is also sometimes observed.
Vaginal tenderness and burning sensation: A typical burning sensation during micturation is sometimes observed. The sensation is significantly different from the one seen during uterine tract infection. Burning sensation is also intensified during menstrual bleeding, sexual intercourse and the follow-up period.
It must be kept in mind that the cumulative symptomatic expression of vaginal redness, tenderness, pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse rarely happens. More often it is only some of the symptoms that are apparent and differential diagnosis is the most logical way under such circumstances. One way of avoiding the dilemma is to have routine per-vagina examinations. Of note, vaginal douching before physician visit is not recommended as it decreases the probability of detection of the symptoms.
Additionally, a co-occurrence of STD and bacterial vaginosis can significantly increase the penetrance of transmission after sexual intercourse. Even though it is largely asymptomatic, it might not be a bad idea to have an occasional examination by a physician to completely rule out incidence of bacterial vaginosis.
