What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include increased vaginal discharge, fishy-smelling leucorrhea, vulvar itching, burning sensation, and pain during sexual intercourse. Patients should seek medical treatment promptly.

1. Increased vaginal discharge

After being infected with pathogenic bacteria, it will stimulate the body to produce an inflammatory response, resulting in an increase in exudate and the above phenomenon. It is usually accompanied by leucorrhea with a bad smell and may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

2. Fishy odor leucorrhea

The odor is caused by the production of ammonia by bacterial decomposition. When anaerobic bacteria overgrow, they produce amines, which are then oxidized into ammonia, giving off a distinctive fishy odor. This odor is usually strong, especially after activities or sexual intercourse.

3. Vulvar itching

Vulvar itching may be an allergic reaction of the local skin and mucous membranes caused by inflammation. Inflammatory factors stimulate peripheral nerves, causing itching. Itching often occurs near the vaginal opening, with varying degrees of severity, and can be aggravated by friction from clothing or poor personal hygiene.

4. Burning sensation

The burning sensation is usually an uncomfortable feeling caused by inflammation irritating the surrounding mucosal tissue. Infiltration of inflammatory cells causes local temperature to rise, resulting in a burning sensation. Patients may feel a significant burning pain in the vulva, especially after urination or sexual intercourse.

5. Pain during sexual intercourse

Pain during intercourse may be related to vaginal wall congestion and edema. During bacterial vaginitis, due to the presence of inflammation, the vaginal wall will become congested and edematous, and during sexual intercourse, mechanical friction will cause pain. The pain is generally concentrated at the entrance of the vagina, which may affect the quality of sexual life.

In view of the symptoms of bacterial vaginitis, it is recommended to perform vaginal secretion smear microscopy, vaginal pH measurement and other examination items to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment measures include the use of anti-anaerobic drugs such as metronidazole and tinidazole as prescribed by the doctor. Patients should pay attention to maintaining good personal hygiene habits, avoid using strong irritating lotions to clean the vulva, and change underwear frequently, and try to choose loose and breathable cotton underwear.