10 BV Symptoms

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Bacterial Vaginosis.' Mayo Clinic, 1 May 2019, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279
• 2. 'Bacterial Vaginosis.' Cleveland Clinic, 5 June 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis

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Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is the most common cause of vaginal infection to women in their childbearing years, ages 15 to 44. However, it can affect women of any age who are sexually active. It's characterized by inflammation caused by excessive growth of anaerobes, a naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. When the bad anaerobic bacteria outgrows the good lactobacilli bacteria, the vaginal balance changes and infection can occur.¹‘Bacterial Vaginosis.’ Mayo Clinic, 1 May 2019, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279

Learning the symptoms of BV, how they differ from yeast infections and its risk factors can help to avoid the complications that sometimes occur with this condition.

Discolored Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is completely natural. However, its color and smell are essential clues to vaginal health. If vaginal discharge changes color from a healthy hue of clear or milky whitish, bacterial vaginosis may be to blame.

Stretchy, sticky or watery discharge with a subtle scent is usual and can change, depending on your menstrual cycle. Discharge tinged gray, yellow or green may be an indicator of BV.¹‘Bacterial Vaginosis.’ Mayo Clinic, 1 May 2019, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279 The shift may be slight, but any change is a good enough reason to get checked. Because BV has few if any symptoms, subtle shifts like vaginal discharge color is sometimes the only clue something is amiss.