Many women remain asymptomatic. When symptoms do manifest, they may take the following forms:

• Vaginal discharge that may be white, grey or green. The discharge itself will be thin.
• Itching in the vagina
• Fishy odour from the vagina
• Burning sensation while passing urine

The vaginal environment is slightly acidic, so normally bacteria will not grow. This acidity is due to the presence of a bacteria called lactobacillus and when this lactobacillus level drops, bad bacteria may enter the vagina causing bacterial vaginosis.

Risk factors include:

• Douching the vagina
• Smoking
• Being sexually active
• Having multiple partners for sex – homosexual women are more at risk
• Using IUD (intra uterine birth control device)

• Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Trouble with pregnancy
• If pregnancy does proceed, chance of the new born having low birth weight is increased
• Higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases

Diagnosis involves the following:

• A complete physical examination
• Medical history
• Test to check vaginal acidity
• Analysis of vaginal discharge to check for presence of bad bacteria

• Antibiotics in the form of tablets, cream or gel
• Finishing the whole course of antibiotics even if the condition seems to have resolved

• Avoiding douching
• Not having many sexual partners
• Using a condom during sexual activity
• Avoiding scented soaps, vaginal deodorants
• Wiping the vagina from the front towards the back