Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in the vagina caused by an unbalanced amount of bacteria. This is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment for the condition includes taking antibiotics, either by mouth or directly into the vagina. Even with proper antibiotic treatment, many women experience a recurrence of the bacterial vaginosis infection. Recurring infections generally require long-term antibiotic therapy. Some women experience no symptoms associated with the infection and the diagnosis occurs after performing lab tests on a sample of vaginal fluid.
Green Discharge
Women may notice an abnormal, fishy smelling vaginal discharge when suffering from bacterial vaginosis. The discharge most commonly appears gray or white in color. In rare cases, some women may experience a greenish color to the vaginal secretions, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The secretions are thin and watery in nature during an active infection. The amount of vaginal discharge may increase or may remain the same as usual.
Itching
Discomfort may occur during a bacterial vaginosis infection. A burning sensation during urination or on the tissue on the outer portion of the vagina may accompany the watery discharge. A rarer symptom of bacterial vaginosis is itching, according to MayoClinic.com. The itching generally occurs on the outside of the vagina.
Complications
Complications may develop from vaginosis if it is left untreated. Some rare complications of the condition include an increased risk of contracting HIV or other forms of sexually transmitted diseases, if exposed to the viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women also have an increased risk of having an infection in the pelvic area following surgery on the uterus. Pregnant women have an increased risk of delivering a premature baby.
