Infection and Discharge
Bacterial Vaginosis
Related terms · BV
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes, which can lead to watery discharge and odor.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Thin white or gray dischargedischarge and a fishy odor that becomes stronger, especially after sexual intercourse, are typical. Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where the bacterial balance in the vagina changes, which can lead to thin discharge and odor.
- Easily confused terms
- Candida Vaginitisis commonly associated with severe itching and clumpy discharge, whereas bacterial vaginosis may present more prominently with watery discharge and odor, though this is confirmed through testing.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- The cause is identified through testing, and necessary infection treatment is prioritized. If itching, discharge, or pelvic discomfort persists or recurs after treatment, the timing of recurrence and overall physical condition are evaluated together.
- What to record for your visit
- Please write down the following information along with the dates and show it during your medical evaluation: test names and results, antimicrobial agent names, administration routes, treatment completion date, symptom-free period, and details regarding menstruation, sexual activity, vaginal douching, antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, immunocompromised status, and the presence of fever or pelvic pain.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.VaginitisVaginitis is a condition characterized by discharge, odor, itching, or stinging; treatment varies depending on the cause, such as Candida, bacterial vaginosis, or Trichomonas.Candida VaginitisCandida vaginitis is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, which can lead to severe itching, burning, and clumpy discharge.Vaginal DischargeVaginal discharge is fluid produced in the vagina; clear or white discharge without a strong odor can change naturally according to the menstrual cycle.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideBacterial VaginosisSymptoms of bacterial vaginosis include watery, homogeneous white or gray vaginal discharge and a strong fishy odor, which may become more prominent after sexual intercourse. It may be accompanied by itching, burning, or pain in the vagina or vulva, and burning during urination, although many people have no symptoms. Severe itching and clumpy discharge suggest candidiasis, while yellow-green or frothy discharge, pelvic pain, fever, or dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) require differential diagnosis for other infections and pelvic inflammatory disease. If discharge or odor changes during pregnancy, consult an obstetrician-gynecologist or a midwife to check for the necessity of treatment and the risk of complications such as preterm birth.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf itching and discharge recur after treatment for vaginitisRather than repeating the same medication when vaginitis becomes uncomfortable again, please bring a record of the cause identified in previous tests, the name of the medication, and the duration of improvement. Treatment differs for Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomoniasis; if fever, lower abdominal pain, and pain during intercourse occur together, other evaluations including PID must come first.→
- Women's Health ColumnCan Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas be distinguished by symptoms alone?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- CDC: Vaginal DischargeReasons why the cause of vaginitis cannot be determined by symptoms alone and the necessary tests