What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
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Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent vaginal infection characterized by a shift in the vaginal flora from predominantly Lactobacillus species to a polymicrobial flora. This condition can present with a variety of symptoms, although many women may remain asymptomatic.
Vaginal Discharge
One of the most common symptoms of BV is an abnormal vaginal discharge. This discharge is typically described as thin, white or gray, and homogeneous1 2 3. It may also be increased in volume compared to normal vaginal secretions2 3.
Vaginal Odor
A distinctive fishy odor is another hallmark symptom of BV. This odor is often more noticeable after sexual intercourse and is due to the production of amines by the anaerobic bacteria that proliferate in BV1 2 3 5.
Elevated Vaginal pH
Women with BV often have an elevated vaginal pH, typically greater than 4.5. This is a result of the reduction in Lactobacillus species, which normally help maintain an acidic vaginal environment1 3 4.
Clue Cells
The presence of clue cells, which are vaginal epithelial cells coated with bacteria, is a diagnostic criterion for BV. These cells can be observed under a microscope and are indicative of the bacterial overgrowth associated with BV1 3.
Other Symptoms
Additional symptoms that may be associated with BV include vaginal itching, irritation, and a sensation of vaginal wetness4 5. Some women may also experience abdominal pain, intermenstrual bleeding, or prolonged menstrual periods2.
Asymptomatic Cases
It is important to note that up to 50% of women with BV may be asymptomatic and not experience any noticeable symptoms2 4 9. This asymptomatic nature can complicate the diagnosis and management of BV, as many women may not seek medical attention until complications arise.
Conclusion
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection with a wide range of symptoms, including abnormal vaginal discharge, fishy odor, elevated vaginal pH, and the presence of clue cells. However, a significant proportion of women may remain asymptomatic. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for the timely diagnosis and treatment of BV to prevent potential complications.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Associations Between Vaginal Bacteria and Bacterial Vaginosis Signs and Symptoms: A Comparative Study of Kenyan and American Women
Core vaginal bacteria are consistently associated with bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms in both Kenyan and American women.
RCT
Large Human TrialBacterial vaginosis: a public health review
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition in reproductive age women, with a wide range of symptoms and a potential for asymptomatic women to develop a bacterial vaginosis infection.
Highly CitedDiagnosis and clinical manifestations of bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common sexually transmitted disease and may be a risk factor for pelvic inflammatory disease, with symptoms including increased vaginal discharge and malodor.
Observational StudyHighly CitedBacterial vaginosis-A brief synopsis of the literature.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common STI in women of reproductive age, with high recurrence rates and potential links to HPV, necessitating further exploration into its etiology, long-term effective treatments, and a standard definition of recurrent
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVulvovaginal Symptoms in Women With Bacterial Vaginosis
Women with bacterial vaginosis report only slightly more vaginal discharge and odor symptoms than those without bacterial vaginosis.
Observational StudyHighly CitedBacterial Vaginosis: A Clinical Update with a Focus on Complementary and Alternative Therapies.
Alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture, are safe and effective for treating bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women.
The Human Microbiome during Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a complex clinical syndrome involving a variety of bacterial species and host immune function, with no clear etiology.
Highly CitedBacterial Vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is a global public health issue affecting women, with immediate treatment needed to prevent complications like infertility, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and premature birth.
The Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in the United States, 2001–2004; Associations With Symptoms, Sexual Behaviors, and Reproductive Health
Bacterial vaginosis is prevalent in 29.2% of women aged 14-49 in the United States, with higher rates in non-Hispanic blacks, Mexican Americans, and whites, and is associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAntibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.
Antibiotic treatment effectively eradicates bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy and reduces the risk of late miscarriage, but does not reduce the risk of preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation or preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.
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