Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can increase your risk of getting an STI such as chlamydia.
Symptoms:
The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex.
You may notice a change to the color and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
But 50% of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching.
Diagnosis:
If physician feels that you have BV, she asks you to provide vaginal fluid sample. This sample collection can be done at our clinic and it is then sent to a lab for DNA amplification probe that tests for following infections.
| Candida species |
| Gardnerella vaginalis |
| Trichomonas vaginalis |
The results then are typically available in two business days and if your sample is positive for any of these infections, appropriate medication is called in to your pharmacy. Your pharmacy will call you.
You can get your results from the lab directly if you have an online account with them. You can also request a copy from us on your secure email or on the portal.
Treatment:
Depending on the test results, we call in one of these medications to your pharmacy.
●Metronidazole 500 mg orally twice daily for seven days
●Metronidazole 250 mg orally three times daily for seven days
●Clindamycin 300 mg orally twice daily for seven days
Why get treated:
The condition is not usually serious, but you'll need to be treated with antibiotics if you do have BV because BV increases your risk for getting other sexually transmitted diseases.
Prevention:
To help relieve symptoms and prevent bacterial vaginosis returning:
- use water and plain soap to wash your genital area
- have showers instead of baths
- do not use perfumed soaps, bubble bath, shampoo or shower gel in the bath
- do not use vaginal deodorants, washes or douches
- do not put antiseptic liquids in the bath
- do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear
- do not smoke
What to do if you still do not feel better after treatment?
Please book an appointment from online and see doctor once again face to face.