How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosed?

When a healthcare provider is talking with a woman complaining of unusual vaginal discharge there will be a number of questions asked to determine the actual cause of the vaginal discharge. Some of the questions will include:

• Whether or not fever is present?
• Is there pain in the pelvis or vaginal area?
• Have there been new or multiple sexual partners (was there unprotected sex)?
• Is there a history of sexually transmitted diseases?

There will also be a physical exam including a pelvic exam. The health care provider will check the vagina, its lining and the cervix. In addition the ovaries, and uterus will be checked. Samples will be taken to check for chlamydia or gonorrhea infections.

The samples taken of the vaginal discharge will be checked under the microscope. One can easily tell the difference between yeast infection (candidiasis) and trichomonas (sexually transmitted infection) under the microscope.

Bacterial vaginosis has several key identifiers. One is a particular type of cell called a clue cell. It is considered the definite identifying mark of bacterial vaginosis. The pH is greater than 4.5.  In addition women with bacterial vaginosis have less of the protective bacteria lactobacilli.