In this Article

• What is bacterial vaginosis?
• What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
• What causes bacterial vaginosis?
• How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
• What are complications of bacterial vaginosis?
• Bacterial Vaginosis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Bacterial Vaginosis - Effective Treatments
• Bacterial Vaginosis Glossary
• Bacterial Vaginosis Index

Bacterial Vaginosis At A Glance

• Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.
  
  
• Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms.
  
  
• Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal discharge and odor, although 50% to 75% of women with the condition experience no symptoms.
  
  
• In diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, it is important to exclude other serious infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
  
  
• Treatment options for bacterial vaginosis include oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.
  
  
• Serious complications of bacterial vaginosis can occur during pregnancy, and recurrence is possible even after successful treatment.

Previous contributing author: Carolyn Janet Crandall, M.D.

Bacterial Vaginosis - Effective Treatments

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