BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Many women do not manifest any symptoms but they may include:

• An excessive grayish white vaginal discharge
• “Fishy” odor, which is usually worse after sex (intercourse).

Some sexually transmitted infections (such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) and vaginal yeast infection may have similar symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS

Physician may do/request:

• History & Physical Exam
• Wet mount
  • Microscopic analysis of vagincal discharge
  • Check for bacteria present, increase of white blood cells (indicative of an infection) and presence of abnormal clue cells
  • Presence of clue cells is a sign of bacterial vaginosis
• Whiff test.
  • Several drops of a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution are added to a sample of vaginal discharge to find out whether a strong fishy odor is produced which is suggestive of bacterial vaginosis
• Vaginal pH
  • Normal vaginal pH is 3.8 to 4.5. A rise bove 4.5 is suggestive of Bacterial vaginosis
• Oligonucleotide probes
  • Detects the genetic material (DNA) of bacterial vaginosis bacteria
  • Very accurate but is not routinely available in most labs.

• Other instances for bacterial vaginosis testing
  • Before undergoing Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) or surgical abortion

• Bacterial vaginosis may be found during a routine pelvic exam.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

• Antibiotics (may be given by mouth or vaginally)
  • Metronidazole
  • Clindamycin
  • Tinidazole

• Oral medicine is usually prescribed for pregnant women

• Ask your doctor whether you should:
  • Avoid having sex during treatment period
  • Continue treatment during your menstrual period
  • Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole

• The oil in clindamycin cream and ovules can weaken latex and may cause condoms and diaphragms may break, and you may not be protected from STIs or pregnancy.