Bacterial Vaginosis
When To Call a Doctor
Bacterial vaginosis can be difficult to distinguish from other types of vaginal infection. Consider the following if you have any signs of vaginal infection.
Call your health professional immediately if you:
- Develop lower abdominal pain and a fever higher than 38.5°C (101°F) along with a vaginal discharge.
- Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection.
Call your health professional for an appointment within 1 week if you:
- Develop an unusual vaginal discharge that has a foul odour, especially noticeable after sex.
- Have unusual vaginal itching.
- Have pain during sex or urination.
- Develop any other discomfort or discharge that may indicate a vaginal infection.
If you have not been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis but have symptoms that cause you concern, see the following topics:
Watchful Waiting
It's generally recommended that you contact or see your health professional about vaginal symptoms. The only exception to this rule is when you are sure that your vaginal symptoms indicate a vaginal yeast infection. If you have had a yeast infection before and are sure that your problem is a yeast infection rather than bacterial vaginosis, you can consider home treatment with a non-prescription product to treat yeast infections. For more information, see the topic Vaginal Yeast Infections.
If your symptoms are due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and not bacterial vaginosis, you may infect a sex partner if you delay treatment. You may also develop more serious complications of STIs such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Avoid sex while waiting to see your health professional. This will prevent the spread of a possible infection.
- Avoid douching.
Who To See
Your family doctor or general practitioner can diagnose and treat bacterial vaginosis. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a gynecologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: June 23, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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