Bacterial Vaginosis
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is vaginal condition that can produce
vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. In the past, the condition was called
Gardnerella vaginitis, after the bacteria that were thought to cause the condition. However, the newer name, bacterial vaginosis, reflects the fact that there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the vaginal area and may grow to excess. The Gardnerella organism is not the sole culprit causing the symptoms. When these multiple species of bacteria become imbalanced, a woman can have a vaginal discharge with a
foul odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms. Any woman with an unusual discharge should be evaluated so that more serious infections
such as chlamydia and
gonorrhea, can be excluded.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal discharge and odor. Usually,
there are no other symptoms. The amount of vaginal discharge that is considered
normal varies from woman to woman. Therefore, any degree of vaginal discharge
that is abnormal for a particular woman should be evaluated.
Many women with bacterial vaginosis actually have no symptoms at all. Others experience an unpleasant fishy odor with vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually thin and grayish white. The discharge is often more noticeable after sexual intercourse.
Next: What causes bacterial vaginosis? »
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