Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include increased vaginal discharge, fishy-smelling leucorrhea, vulvar itching, burning sensation, and pain during sexual intercourse. Diagnosis usually needs to be made under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Increased vaginal discharge

Due to the infection of pathogenic bacteria, the microecology in the vagina is unbalanced, and the exudate increases under the stimulation of inflammation. The patient will have more vaginal secretions than normal, and the texture may be thin.

2. Fishy odor leucorrhea

Due to the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, amines are produced, which emit a special smell, forming a fishy odor. This odor usually comes from deep in the vagina and mixes with abnormal secretions. Patients may notice that the vaginal discharge has an unpleasant odor, which is more obvious during menstruation or after sexual activity.

3. Vulvar itching

Vulvar itching is mainly caused by local skin inflammation. The itching is mainly concentrated around the vaginal opening and the vulva area. In severe cases, it can affect sleep and daily life quality.

4. Burning sensation

The burning sensation is usually caused by the discomfort of the vaginal mucosa being stimulated by inflammatory factors. Patients may feel a burning sensation in the vulva, sometimes accompanied by redness, swelling or pain.

5. Pain during sexual intercourse

Pain during intercourse may be caused by increased sensitivity of the vaginal wall due to inflammation. Pain usually occurs at the entrance or deep inside the vagina and is particularly noticeable during intercourse, which may affect the patient's quality of sex life.

For bacterial vaginitis, vaginal secretion smear microscopy is recommended to evaluate changes in the microbial community, and culture identification can be performed if necessary. Treatment measures include the use of antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin as prescribed by the doctor. Patients should pay attention to personal hygiene, change and wash underwear frequently, avoid wearing tight and non-breathable clothes, and keep the vulva dry and clean.