1. That Burning Sensation
Burning when you urinate is a frequent sign of vaginosis, especially if that burning lasts more than a couple of days. However, this is a common symptom for several sexually transmitted diseases, so you'll need to look for other symptoms along with the burning feeling. For example, in vaginosis, a burning feeling while urinating is often accompanied by a generalized itching sensation around the outside of the vagina. This is different than the intense, internal itching that comes with a yeast infection. Vaginosis itching occurs outside of the vaginal canal and is very persistent when it presents itself as a symptom.
2. Unusual Discharge
Vaginal discharge is normal in women. Most women actually experience a wide array of discharges throughout their monthly cycles, ranging from thin and watery to dry and crumbly. However, the discharge that comes with vaginosis is usually gray in color, and is typically very thin in consistency. However, the discharge is sometimes white, which makes it look a lot like the normal monthly discharge you may already get. If this is the case, you'll need to look for other symptoms of vaginosis accompanying the discharge.
3. The Telltale Smell
One of the hallmark signs of vaginosis is a bad smell coming from your vagina. As long as you're healthy and keep yourself clean, your vagina should not have a strong odor that's noticeable from a foot or more away. However, the odor associated with vaginosis is very strong and hard to hide. It sometimes smells "fishy," but any foul vaginal odor can indicate you've got a case of vaginosis. Sometimes, women first notice the smell immediately following sexual intercourse, but if the odor is particularly strong, it can be noticed at any time.
