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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Bacterial vaginosis history and symptoms

Introduction

Overview

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

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

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

References

  1. ↑ 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. ↑ 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.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mehrsefat, M.D. [2]