Symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include:

• Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge
• Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor
• Vaginal itching
• Burning during urination

Many women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

• You have vaginal discharge that's new and associated with an odor or fever. Your doctor can help determine the cause and identify signs and symptoms.
• You've had vaginal infections before, but the color and consistency of your discharge seems different this time.
• You have multiple sex partners or a recent new partner. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis.
• You try self-treatment for a yeast infection with an over-the-counter treatment and your symptoms persist.