Patient's question:
Yesterday I went to the hospital for a check-up, and it was confirmed that I have bacterial vaginosis. What is this condition?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Bacterial vaginosis is also known as non-specific vaginitis, Haemophilus vaginitis, Corynebacterium vaginitis, Aerobacter vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis, etc.; Bacterial vaginosis was named at the international conference in 1984; This disease is caused by a mixed infection of Gardnerella vaginalis and some aerobes, which can be transmitted through sexual contact and has a higher incidence in populations with promiscuous sexual relationships; The prominent clinical manifestation is an increase in vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. This is because the discharge emits a special odor. During sexual intercourse or physical activity, the release of the odor is promoted, and the odor is particularly noticeable due to the presence of a large amount of amines in the vagina, and the pH of the vaginal discharge also increases; During the examination with a speculum, it is found that the vaginal discharge is increased, grayish-white, viscous, but the inflammation of the vaginal wall is not obvious.I. The vaginal discharge is grayish-white, viscous, and even resembles a paste-like consistency, uniform and consistent, but not purulent discharge, with varying amounts.
II. The amine content in the discharge is particularly high, giving it a fishy odor. During sexual intercourse or after physical activity, the odor often intensifies due to the promotion of amine release, and the addition of 10% potassium hydroxide to the discharge can also release the amine odor.
III. The pH value of the vaginal discharge is increased, with a pH range of 5.0-5.5, while the normal range is 4.5-4.7.
IV. Clue cells can be detected in the wet smear of the vaginal discharge.
Among the above four criteria, meeting three or more can lead to a definitive diagnosis, with emphasis placed on the fourth criterion as a necessary diagnostic standard.