What Causes BV?
4. Signs and Symptoms
Patients with BV most commonly experience malodorous vaginal discharge. This odor may be recognized only after sexual intercourse as the alkalinity from semen can result in a release of volatile amines to cause a fishy odor. The increase in vaginal discharge is generally mild to moderate. It is often thin, gray, adherent to the vaginal mucosa, and may contain small bubbles in the discharge.
Some patients may complain about irritation around the genitalia, pain or burning during urination (dysuria), or pain during sex (dyspareunia). Mild itching can sometimes occur. There are some experts who have reported BV can be asymptomatic in almost 50% of affected women.
Advertisement
