Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection. It is less commonly referred to as vaginal bacteriosis. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (see causes below). BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora, and should not be confused with yeast infection (candidiasis), or infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis) which are not caused by bacteria.
The most common sym...
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection. It is less commonly referred to as vaginal bacteriosis. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (see causes below). BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora, and should not be confused with yeast infection (candidiasis), or infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis) which are not caused by bacteria.
The most common symptom of BV is an abnormal homogeneous white vaginal discharge (especially after sex) with an unpleasant fishy smell. This malodorous discharge coats the walls of the vagina, and is usually without irritation, pain or erythema.
By contrast, though menstrual blood does have a distinct odor, 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.
To make a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, a speculum examination and...
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