Bacterial vaginosis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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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:

• Number and type of sexual partners (new, casual, or regular)
• Previous history of STDs

Symptoms

The most common symptom of BV is an abnormal vaginal discharge (especially after sex) with an unpleasant fishy smell. While some women do not experience symptoms, many women experience intense itching, swelling and irritation (which is why it is often misdiagnosed by women and even health care practitioners as a yeast infection).

By contrast, a 'normal' discharge will be odorless and will vary in consistency and amount with the menstrual cycle - a normal discharge is at its clearest about 2 weeks before the period starts.