Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
- When should I have the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before getting a bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
- Process
- What should I do before I have the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
- How is the test for bacterial vaginosis (bacterial vaginosis test)?
- What should I do after having the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
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Definition
What is the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the balance of microorganisms in a healthy vagina. Microorganisms related to bacterial vaginosis include Gardnerella, Mobiluncus, Bacteroi des , and Mycoplasma . If bacterial vaginosis is found, these microorganisms will increase in number and the good ones will decrease.
Some women with bacterial vaginosis don't experience any symptoms. The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge. Usually the liquid smells bad.
The bacterial vaginosis test is a test that takes a sample of vaginal fluid and cells to look for infection.
When should I have the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
A bacterial vaginosis test is done to find the cause of abnormalities in vaginal discharge or other symptoms of vaginal infection, such as irritation or pain in the vagina.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before getting a bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
Things that prevent you from being tested, or your results are inaccurate, are:
- if you're menstruating
- if you are taking or using vaginal medications
- if you had sex or had vaginal cleansing (douching) 24 hours before the test
Process
What should I do before I have the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
Avoid douching (using vaginal soap), having sex, or using vaginal medications 24 hours before having a bacterial vaginosis test.
Consult your doctor if you have special concerns about the test, the risks, how the test is performed and the test results.
How is the test for bacterial vaginosis (bacterial vaginosis test)?
The doctor or nurse will help you position yourself for the test. The doctor will place a lubricated device called a speculum on the vagina. A speculum will separate the vaginal walls to help the doctor see the inside of the vagina and cervix. A vaginal fluid sample will then be taken.
What should I do after having the bacterial vaginosis test (bacterial vaginosis test)?
You can return to your normal activities after taking the test. The doctor will consult the test results with you and recommend further treatment if needed.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
high vaginal pH, clue cells, And bad odors are some of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
Normal | No abnormalities in vaginal discharge. |
The absence of large numbers of such bacteria Gardnerella which causes bacterial vaginosis. | |
Little or no finding clue cells . | |
There is no unpleasant odor when potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added to the vaginal fluid sample. | |
The pH in the vagina is in the normal range of 3.8 to 4.5. | |
Abnormal | There is a bacterial vaginosis infection.
The vaginal discharge is grayish-white, shiny, and has small bubbles. There is an unpleasant odor when the KOH solution is added to the vaginal fluid sample. Found many types of bacteria (eg Gardnerella), clue cells, or both. The vaginal pH is higher than 4.5. |