The National Health Service (NHS), UK, says that a woman who has any abnormal vaginal discharge should see her GP (general practitioner, primary care physician) as soon as possible so that BV can be diagnosed and other infections, such as gonorrhea or trichomonas vaginalis ruled out. In many countries the woman could visit a sexual health clinic for diagnosis (or genitor-urinary medicine clinic), instead of her GP.
The doctor may be able to diagnose BV from a description of symptoms and carrying out a physical examination, during which he/she will look out for an unpleasant smell and a thin, white/gray discharge. If the patient is sexually active and there is a chance she may have an STI (sexually transmitted infection), the doctor may order some diagnostic tests.
Swab (sample) - the doctor uses a swab or small plastic loop to collect sample cells from the vaginal wall. The alkaline/acid balance (pH) of the vagina may also be measured.
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Medical News Today
