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Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bacterial vaginosis, sometimes called BV, is the most common vaginal infection in women who are in their child-bearing years and a frequent infection seen in pregnant women. A bacterial vaginosis diagnosis generally isn't serious in women who are not pregnant. For those who are pregnant, it can pose risks such as premature delivery and low birth weight. The CDC recommends that all women with bacterial vaginosis receive medical treatment to avoid potential complications.

  1. What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

    • Bacterial vaginosis is a form of vaginitis, of which there are other types, such as yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Vaginitis is a broad term used to cover specific symptoms--inflammation of the vagina that causes itching, abnormal discharge and pain. A healthy vagina has just the right balance of helpful and harmful bacteria (flora), but when something disrupts this delicate balance and the harmful bacteria take over, bacterial vaginosis can result. You can get bacterial vaginosis without ever having sex. However, women with new or multiple sexual partners seem to be more at risk for getting bacterial vaginosis, according to the Mayo Clinic, as do women who douche and use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.

    How It's Diagnosed

    • A doctor, usually a gynecologist, can order a test for bacterial vaginosis. This is done by taking a sample of the vaginal fluids and observing them under a microscope for the presence of the bacteria that cause it. According to the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, other clues that bacteria vaginosis may be present are an absence of lactobacill (one of the healthy bacteria) or the presence of cells in the vaginal lining that are coated with bacterial vaginosis germs. The vaginal discharge may also have a malodorous "fishy" scent and be different in color and amount than noted in a healthy vagina.

    Ensuring Accurate Diagnosis

    • To make sure that your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis, the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) recommends that you schedule your appointment at a time when you're not menstruating. Avoid douching before your appointment and don't use deodorant sprays that might mask the scent of the discharge. It's also recommended that you avoid having sex or using tampons at least a day before your appointment.

    Treating Bacterial Vaginosis

    • Bacterial vaginosis can easily be treated with an antibiotic that is prescribed in either a pill or topical form. Drugs used to treat bacterial vaginosis are usually metronidazole or clindamycin. The trade names used for these drugs may be Flagyl, MetroGel or Cleocin.

    Do Sexual Partners Need Treatment?

    • According to the NWHIC, male partners are not usually treated when a female partner receives a bacterial vaginosis diagnosis. However, this infection can be passed between female sexual partners. If your partner is a woman, discuss your diagnosis with her and the possible need for her to receive treatment as well.

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