General Information About Bacterial Vaginosis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the alteration of the bacterial diversity inside the vagina and harmful bacteria becoming dominant due to the disruption of the vagina's natural acidic balance.
It is not strictly considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, the presence of a new or multiple partners disrupts the vaginal flora and increases the risk.
The main symptoms are a 'fish-like' foul odor that increases especially after sexual intercourse or menstruation, a thin grayish-white discharge, and sometimes mild itching.
In vaginal yeast infections, the discharge is white with a cottage cheese consistency, and severe itching is prominent. In bacterial vaginosis, there is a distinct foul odor and a gray discharge.
It is easily diagnosed during a gynecological examination by the appearance and odor of the discharge, and the microscopic examination of the taken vaginal swab.
The flora is treated with specific antibiotics in the form of oral pills or vaginal suppositories/creams applied directly to the vagina. Treatment of the partner is generally not required.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
