Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterium found in the vagina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. There are few signs of BV, but the most common symptoms are obvious. Some women may not report any symptoms at all. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics.
Odor
Women with BV may experience a strong or unpleasant vaginal odor. This may be described as "fishy" and occur after intercourse, states the CDC. The odor can be so strong that it even becomes repulsive and cause embarrassment for the woman. Sometimes odor is the only sign of a bacterial infection.
Discharge
Vaginal secretions are normal, but BV can lead to more frequent discharges or discharge that is abnormal for the woman. Watery discharge that increases or was not present before may be a sign of BV. Infection can cause white or gray discharge. It does not have to be thick, such as the discharge associated with yeast infections. WomensHealth.gov describes the discharge as sometimes milky, foamy or watery. Any unusual secretions, change in volume or consistency may be a sign of vaginosis and should be examined by a health care provider.
Discomfort
Itching of the vagina and the tissues surrounding is often a sign of vaginosis. Women may notice a burning sensation while urinating. The labial tissues, tissue around the entrance of the vagina and the perineum may become red from inflammation.
Sexual Intercourse
Sexual intercourse may be painful during an infection. While under treatment of the bacterial infection, a woman may be advised to avoid sexual intercourse to allow the natural bacteria to return to normal states. The vaginal area may be tender and sex can only increase the discomfort a woman is experiencing with the infection. Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease but sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria to the vagina, leading to an infection. Fertility is not impacted by such an infection, but going without treatment can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a potentially serious condition that can impact pregnancy and childbirth.
