Bacterial Vaginosis Test
Orange County STD Center uses the FDA approved Simple Swab Testing method. This screening offers:
- Fast & Simple testing method
- Treatment is available
- Test specimen collected by a Simple Cotton Swab
- Provides results in 72 hours
- No preparation needed, just walk-in!
Why Should I get tested for Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a foul smelling grayish white or yellow discharge (especially after sex).
In the vagina, there are “good” hydrogen peroxide producing types of bacteria and then there are “bad” anaerobic (bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen) types of bacteria, bacterial vaginosis occurs when this balance of bacteria becomes upset.
Multiple or new sexual partners, douching and cigarette smoking have been identified to increase the chances of developing bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis can increase a woman’s chances of contracting STDs. In pregnant women bacterial vaginosis may cause complications of pregnancy such as: miscarriage, premature delivery, and uterine infection after pregnancy.
Bacterial vaginosis can also increase your chance of developing a pelvic infection following a surgical procedure such as: a hysterectomy or an abortion.
Bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own. This occurs when the “good” bacteria return to their normal levels, and other bacteria levels drop.
Bacterial vaginosis may also be treated with antibiotic medicine as prescribed by your health care provider.
How do I get tested Bacterial Vaginosis?
There are a variety of ways to test for Bacterial Vaginosis, such as the wet mount procedure or by a vaginal culture.
Wet Mount – A sample of vaginal discharge is mixed with a salt solution on a microscope slide, and checked for unusual cells called clue cells.
Vaginal Culture – A sample of vaginal discharge is taken via a cotton swab, and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
