What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

Approximately 50% of all women with BV have no symptoms (asymptomatic). If a woman does have symptoms, she does not need to get tested to find out.

The main sign is in the vaginal discharge:

• Vaginal discharge may become watery and thin
• Vaginal discharge may become grey or white 
• Vaginal discharge may have a strong and unpleasant smell, often described as fishy

The following symptoms are possible, but much less common:

  Burning sensation during urination Itching around the outside of the vagina

Written by Christian Nordqvist Medical News Today