Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by one of several
bacteria. Bacterial vaginal infections may or may not be
sexually transmitted.
You must see a doctor to check if you have bacterial
vaginosis for sure.
What are the symptoms?
- You may have gray-white discharge from the vagina, sometimes
foul-smelling.
- You may have itching, redness, or soreness of the vagina.
How long will it last?
With proper treatment the infection usually clears up in
1 week.
What is the treatment?
- Medication
You will need to take the medication prescribed by your
physician.
- Contacts
If you are sexually active, do not have sex until your
symptoms are gone and you have finished your treatment.
If you are sexually active and your infection comes
back, tell your sexual partner about your infection
because he should also be treated.
- Prevention
Because bacterial vaginosis can be sexually transmitted,
there are ways that you can help prevent this infection.
Not having sex (abstinence) is the best method of
prevention. Use of condoms is the next best method.
You are less likely to get an STD if you have just one
sexual partner.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your symptoms get worse or last more than 1 week. Return
to your physician's office to determine whether you need
additional treatment.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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Written by David W. Kaplan, M.D., and the staff of the Adolescent
Medicine Center, The Children's Hospital, Denver, Colorado.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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