Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge. The condition results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. In the past, the condition was called Gardnerella vaginitis, after the bacteria that was thought to cause the condition. However, the new name, bacterial vaginosis, reflects the recent research establishing that there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the vaginal area. The Gardnerella organism is not the sole culprit causing the symptoms. When these multiple species of bacteria become imbalanced, a woman can have a vaginal discharge that is associated with a foul odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is not passed by sex and is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms. Any woman with an unusual discharge should be evaluated so that serious infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be excluded.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal discharge and odor. Usually, there are no other symptoms. The amount of vaginal discharge that is considered normal varies from woman to woman. Therefore, any degree of vaginal discharge that is abnormal for a particular woman should be evaluated.
About half of women with bacterial vaginosis actually have no symptoms at all. The other half experience an unpleasant fishy odor with vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually grayish white.