Bacterial vaginosis history and symptoms

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

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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 odourless 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.