Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria found in the vagina affecting the balance leading to vaginal inflammation and vaginal discharge. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Symptoms
Bacterial vaginosis signs may include:
- An unusual vaginal discharge that is thin, gray, white, or green
- A change in the consistency of the discharge
- Odd vaginal odor – Foul-smelling
- Vaginal itching
- Burning during urination
Occasionally, many women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria found in the vagina affecting the balance leading to vaginal inflammation and vaginal discharge. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Symptoms
Bacterial vaginosis signs may include:
- An unusual vaginal discharge that is thin, gray, white, or green
- A change in the consistency of the discharge
- Odd vaginal odor – Foul-smelling
- Vaginal itching
- Burning during urination
Occasionally, many women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.
Self-care
You can follow a specific measure to relieve symptoms and prevent bacterial vaginosis recurrence.
Do
- Use normal water and plain soap to wash your genital areas
- Have showers instead of baths
Don’t
- Do not use scented soaps, shampoo, or shower gel
- Do not use vaginal deodorants or washes
- Do not smoke
- Do not use hard detergents to wash your underwear
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022