Syndrome
About Bacterial Vaginosis
A healthy vagina is dominated by lactobacilli, which keep the pH at about 4 and protect against infection. In bacterial vaginosis (BV) they are replaced by a mix of other bacteria — including gardnerella, mobiluncus, bacteroides and mycoplasma — and the pH rises above 4.5.
BV is not considered an STD, but it is more common in sexually active women and increases the risk of getting STDs, of passing on HIV, and of complications in pregnancy and after pelvic procedures. Douching, new or multiple partners, IUDs and recent antibiotics raise the risk.
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Mild to moderate increase in vaginal discharge
- Greyish-white or yellow discharge with a “fishy” smell, often worse after sex
- Vulvar irritation (less common)
- About half of women have no symptoms
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- BV Panel — determines BV by comparing the concentration of three organisms
- STI-9* — tests for Gardnerella in a panel of 9 STIs
- STI-11+ — panel of 11 STIs
*The STI-9 test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Caribbean Genetics. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or local regulations.