Bacterial vaginosis history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mehrsefat, M.D. [2]
Overview
It is necessary to obtain a detailed and thorough sexual history from the patient. Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include number and type of sexual partners (new, casual, or regular) and previous history of STDs. 50-75% of women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) are asymptomatic. Common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include thin, white/gray vaginal discharge and unpleasant vaginal odor, especially after sex.[1][2]
History
It is necessary to obtain a detailed and thorough sexual history from the patient. Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include:[1]
- Number and type of sexual partners (new, casual, or regular)
- Previous history of STDs
- Previous history of symptomatic BV in female partner (among women who have sex with women)
Symptoms
Most women found to have bacterial vaginosis reported no symptoms (50-75%). Common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:[1][2]
- Vaginal discharge (thin, white/gray, and homogenous discharge)
- Vaginal odor (unpleasant “fishy smell” especially after sex)
Bacterial vaginosis does not cause dysuria, dyspareunia, pruritus, burning, or vaginal inflammation.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Amsel R, Totten PA, Spiegel CA, Chen KC, Eschenbach D, Holmes KK (1983). “Nonspecific vaginitis. Diagnostic criteria and microbial and epidemiologic associations”. Am J Med. 74 (1): 14–22. PMID 6600371.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Klebanoff MA, Schwebke JR, Zhang J, Nansel TR, Yu KF, Andrews WW (2004). “Vulvovaginal symptoms in women with bacterial vaginosis”. Obstet Gynecol. 104 (2): 267–72. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000134783.98382.b0. PMID 15291998.
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH