Feb 25 2008
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a result from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina that can produce a vaginal discharge. Usually a mild problem and not sexually transmitted, it tends to go away in a few days but can lead to serious problems if it does not and it goes untreated. It is also often mistaken for a yeast infection. Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most frequent occurring infections in the vagina that affects anywhere from 10-64% of women at any given time.
Common symptoms for bacterial vaginosis are a smelly vaginal discharge either white or yellow in color. A sure sign of this infection is a fishy smell, which tends to be worse after intercourse. This infection can be diagnosed by doing a pelvic exam where your doctor will take a sample of the vaginal discharge and test it to find out if it is for sure bacterial vaginosis.
Although this infection will sometimes go away on its own and is not considered harmful, in some cases it can still cause health problems. If you are pregnant it can increase the risk of miscarriage, early delivery and uterine infection after pregnancy.