1. Note a Fishy Odor
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when normal bacteria in the vaginal tissues grows, usually when the pH of the vagina changes. While fishy odors can mean yeast infection, they also may indicate a bacterial vaginosis infection. This odor is usually stronger after sex. Bacterial vaginosis is common with women who are sexually active, making some experts suspect it's an STD, although treating male partners doesn't seem to help. Sex itself also might change the pH of the vagina, allowing bacteria to grow.
2. Note if Your Vaginal Area Itches
Vaginal itching is a symptom of bacterial vaginosis. Try to avoid scratching the area, as you can exacerbate the condition. Treat the area with anti-itch products, such as Vagisil. If you suspect bacterial vaginosis, treating for a yeast infection with over the counter treatments won't work. Make an appointment with your doctor so he can prescribe antibiotics.
3. Examine Any Discharge
Determining whether your vaginal discharge is due to bacterial vaginosis or simply due to cervical mucus can be hard. Heavy discharge or a thin, white, homogenous discharge is usually due to bacterial vaginosis.
4. Test Your pH
There are some home tests that allow you to test the pH or acidity of your vaginal discharge. In general, a pH of 4.5 or higher is an indication of bacterial vaginosis. This makes sense since the bacteria that causes the condition thrives in less acidic environments. However, this is tricky since cervical mucus often has a higher pH in general. Ask your care provider to conduct and analyze pH test to test for bacterial vaginosis.
5. Your Care Provider Sees Clue Cells
To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor probably will take a culture from your vaginal area and examine the cells beneath a microscope. The presence of clue cells is an indication of bacterial vaginosis. These cells are vaginal epithelial cells with rough or stippled, obscure or fuzzy edges, a result of the bacterium causing the condition becoming attached to those cells. 20 percent or more of the cells in the sample will display these edges.
